* Vivid Imagery: Similes allow Tolkien to paint vivid pictures in the reader's mind, bringing the fantastical world of Middle-earth to life. For example, "The moon was like a bent sixpence" (Chapter 1) creates a specific image of the moon, emphasizing its shape and hinting at the strangeness of the world.
* Enhanced Description: They provide a unique and memorable way to describe characters, settings, and events. For example, "The dwarves were like a company of grumbling, rumbling, tumbling stones" (Chapter 1) gives us a sense of their clumsiness and grumpiness.
* Emotional Impact: Similes can evoke specific emotions and responses from the reader. For instance, "The dragon was like a mountain of molten gold" (Chapter 12) evokes fear and awe at the dragon's immense power.
* Humor and Lightheartedness: Tolkien often uses similes for comic effect, adding humor and lightness to the narrative. For example, "Bilbo was like a small, pale mushroom, peering out from under a rock" (Chapter 2) is funny due to the unexpected comparison.
* Creating Understanding: Similes can help readers understand complex ideas or concepts by relating them to something familiar. For example, "The goblins were like a swarm of angry bees, buzzing and swarming around the dwarves" (Chapter 5) helps us visualize the chaotic and threatening nature of the goblins.
Overall, similes contribute significantly to "The Hobbit's" success as a captivating and memorable story. They enrich the narrative with vivid imagery, detailed description, emotional impact, humor, and a deeper understanding of the fantastical world Tolkien has created.