1. Expanded Story:
* The original Hobbit was a slim, standalone children's fantasy. The revised edition expands the story with new chapters, more backstory, and additional details.
* Significant additions include: the introduction of the White Council, Gandalf's more active role in events, the expansion of the "Riddles in the Dark" chapter with the introduction of Gollum, and the development of the characters of Beorn and Bard.
* The revised edition also adds more mature themes like war, politics, and the darker aspects of Tolkien's mythology.
2. Changes to Language and Style:
* The revised edition features a more consistent and mature writing style. This includes the elimination of some of the more whimsical, almost childish language used in the original edition.
* Tolkien refined the language, making it more evocative and consistent with his later works like The Lord of the Rings. This includes the introduction of more Elvish words and phrases.
* The revised edition also features more sophisticated wordplay and a deeper understanding of Tolkien's mythological world.
3. Consistency with The Lord of the Rings:
* The revised edition of The Hobbit was released after The Lord of the Rings, and Tolkien took the opportunity to ensure greater consistency between the two books.
* This included harmonizing the language, lore, and characters to create a more cohesive and unified world.
* For example, Tolkien added more detail about the history of the dwarves and the significance of the One Ring.
4. Overall Tone and Theme:
* The revised edition is generally darker and more complex than the original.
* The original Hobbit was more lighthearted and focused on adventure and escapism.
* The revised edition explores themes of good vs. evil, power and corruption, and the importance of courage and sacrifice.
In short, the revised edition of The Hobbit is a much richer and more complex story than the original, reflecting Tolkien's own evolution as a writer and his growing understanding of the world he created. While the original remains charming, the revised edition is considered the definitive version of the book, offering a more complete and satisfying reading experience.