The ShireBilbo’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 While the pastoral land seems like a utopia for those who like the status quo, it’s also a symbol of an insulated and withdrawn life, according to the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt's "The Hobbit: An Educator's Guide."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.Valley of the ElvesRivendell within the Valley of the Elves is a sanctuary for Bilbo, Gandalf and the dwarves. Security contrasts with insecurity in the sheltered valley as the Misty Mountains, which the travelers must cross, overshadows the land. Rivendell becomes a symbol of wisdom, protection and security for the group because it’s the place that resupplies them and gives them essential information for the journey ahead, and because it's the origin of the enchanted objects and friends who rescue the travelers in times of need. With all the horrors that exist in Middle Earth, the tranquil, serene setting in Rivendell gives the travelers -- particularly Bilbo and Gandalf -- much-needed respite and restoration.Mirkwood ForestThe travelers in “The Hobbit” must cross Mirkwood’s enchanted forest to reach the Lonely Mountain. The strange enchantments, dark surroundings, tall trees, giant spiders and goblins provide a setting that creates a turning point for Bilbo and the dwarves, as they must choose to travel on a difficult road or a dark elf trail. It is in this forest that Bilbo learns how much courage he truly possesses, even after facing the goblins at the Moon Patch Clearing, as he must battle spiders to rescue his companions from the constricting webs and then the Elvenking. Bilbo emerges from Mirkwood a new person. The setting in Mirkwood humbles the dwarves, who discover their vulnerabilities and realize that they can and must have faith in the bravery and ingenuity of their small Hobbit comrade.The Lonely MountainTolkien writes that the cliffs on Lonely Mountain are tall and grim, and that danger lurks in every rock. In addition to being dangerous and scary, the mountain is a fortress that seems impossible to penetrate. The language used to describe the settings within the mountain creates a sense of fear, suspense and threat as, once again, the travelers find that they have to rely on Bilbo to retrieve the Arkenstone, a dwarf heirloom from Thorin’s dynasty. Just as Smaug the dragon greedily guards his treasure, Thorin and the other dwarves reveal how greedily they lust after it. The dark winding tunnels and the Battle of Five Armies make Lonely Mountain the complete opposite of the Shire, driving home to readers how much Bilbo has changed during his travels.Sponsored links
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