Bilbo’s adventure in “The Hobbit” begins and ends in his hometown, the Shire. This area of Middle Earth conveys the comforts of home with its charming rustic architecture, pleasant climate, fertile land and friendly neighbors. While the pastoral land seems like a utopia for those who like the status quo, it’s also a symbol of an insulated and withdrawn life, according to the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt's "The Hobbit: An Educator's Guide." While Bilbo feels comfortable and secure with his life at Bag End in the Shire, he knows that there’s more to the world than his quiet existence.
