Journal Post 6: The Theme of The Hobbit

I believe that the theme of The Hobbit is to only judge someone when you know them better. For example, in the first few chapters Thorin thinks that Bilbo is like most hobbits, a jolly and gluttonous farmer. However Thorin is proven wrong several times throughout the story. Bilbo's actions, such as saving the Dwarves from the Wood-elves and spying on Smaug caused Thorin to withdraw his judgement before he died. It relates to me very much because many people, especially at school, judge me because of my interests and my appearance. however they don't actually know me. Bilbo's judgement by Thorin and my judgement by my peers is very similar.

Journal Post 4: Writing With Topic Of Choice

Review: Lego Lord of the Rings, The Video Game

Those who have played other Lego video games by TT Games know how fun the games are. "Lego Lord Of The Rings: The Video Game" is one of the best examples. It's the second Lego game to feature an open world; once the main story is completed, you are allowed to roam Middle-Earth freely. The game uses dialogue tracks from the original the Peter Jackson movies rather than grunts and other noises used in past Lego games. This innovation makes the experience much more immersing. It includes many characters including key characters such as Frodo, Gandalf and Aragorn and extra characters which include ones from other Tolkien works such as Tom Bombadil, Bilbo Baggins and Gloin the Dwarf(he is seen in both Lord Of The Rings AND The Hobbit). Lego games are known for adding humour into their cutscenes, and this game has some of the best gags:

The game features phenomenal non-playable character combat choreography, which adds the effect of being in the center of the Battle Of The Pelennor Fields and the Battle of Helm's Deep. The one big downside is the fact that achieving 100% completion is somewhat impossible. This is because of all the puzzles and challenges in the open-world Middle Earth portion of the game. Overall, I give this game 9.5 out of 10.

Journal Post 3: Comparison to "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey"

The movie "The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey" is very similar to the novel, even though it covers only up to the beginning of chapter 8. However there are differences, some vital and some insignificant:

• Three characters that are simply mentioned in the book are key characters in the movie: Radagast the Brown, Azog the Goblin and The Necromancer
• The film features two prologues: The first features Smaug invading the Lonely Mountain and driving out the Dwarves. In the novel, this is explained by the Dwarves in the first chapter. The second prologue is set ten minutes before the scene of Bilbo's 111th birthday party in "Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring". This event does not occur in the novel.
• In the novel, the Dwarves have different coloured hooded cloaks and come in an organized order. However in the film they do not wear any cloaks and the Dwarves almost arrive all at once.
• The Dwarves' beards are noted as being vibrant colours such as blue and yellow. In the film, their beards are standard human hair colours. 
• The morning after the gathering at Bag End, Thorin and the Dwarves leave Bilbo a short note on his mantle. In the film, Bilbo is given a long contract the day of the gathering.
• Bilbo meets up with the Dwarves at the Green Dragon Inn in the novel. however in the film, Bilbo catches up to them on their way out of Hobbiton.
• When the Dwarves, Bilbo and Gandalf encounter the three trolls in the movie, the trolls capture the Dwarves first then Bilbo. However in the book, it is in the opposite order..
• Gandalf saves Bilbo and the Dwarves by smashing a boulder with his staff, letting the sunlight through turning the trolls to stone in the movie. But in the book, Gandalf imitates their voices so that they would get into a fight with each other and not notice the rising sun.
• In the novel, Bilbo takes his new sword eventually to be named "Sting" form the Trolls' treasure hoard; in the movie Gandalf presents it to him.
• At Rivendell, Gandalf speaks with the other members of the White Council: Elrond, Galadriel and Saruman The White. This does not occur in the book.
• The Dwarves and Bilbo sneak out from Rivendell in the movie without Gandalf
• The Goblins in the film use a trapdoor in the cave to capture the Dwarves. In the book a crack opens at the back of the cave.
• When the Wargs attack Gandalf, Bilbo and the Dwarves in the novel, the trees magically fight back. In the movie, Gandalf lights pine cones on fire and throws them at the wargs.
• The eagles in the book can talk. They are mute in the movie however.

Despite these differences, they are both still great.

Joural Post 5: Changing Character

In "The Hobbit", Thorin Oakenshield the leader of the journey to the lonely mountain, changes drastically about his thoughts on bringing Bilbo with them. In the first few chapters, Before the incident with the Goblins, Thorin feels that Bilbo is more trouble than he is worth and would only slow them down. However he was proven wrong when he saw Bilbo emerge from within the mountain. He becomes very grateful that Bilbo came with Gandalf and the Dwarves when Bilbo saves the Dwarves and Thorin in Mirkwood from the spiders and the elves. Because of this, he trusts Bilbo with the job of sneaking into the main hall of the Lonely Mountain. When Thorin was on his deathbed, he withdrew his accusation that he stole the Arkenstone and told Bilbo that he was glad that Bilbo went with him.

Journal Post 2: The setting of The Hobbit

In J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit", the setting is Tolkien's signature setting of the land of Middle-Earth. Because the story is very specific to the setting, it cannot be applied in a different story, such as one that's more modern. Even though some locations have generic names like "Lake-town", "The Lonely Mountain" and "The Misty Mountains", the events that occur in these locations are specific. For example, if you go exploring a mountain range like the Rockies you will not find any Goblins nor a cave with a deformed creature that likes riddles....OR WILL YOU?

Journal Post 1: Interesting Quote

The quote I found interesting from The Hobbit is from chapter 19, "The Last Stage": "Roads go ever ever on, over rock and under tree, by caves where never sun has shone, by streams that never find the sea: over snow by winter sown, and through the merry flowers of June, over grass and over stone, and under mountains in the moon. Roads go ever ever on, under cloud and under star, yet feet that wandering have gone, turn at last to home afar. Eyes that fire and sword have seen, and horror in the halls of stone, look at last on meadows green, and trees and hills they long have known.(page 361)". Bilbo is not only summarizing his journey and referring to places he has been, but he is also saying that even after a very long time and a difficult journey a person will recognize their own home and be glad to be there. When Bilbo and Gandalf return to the Shire, Gandalf sees that Bilbo has changed greatly because of the events he witnessed on his journey. Bilbo realizes he is more brave than he thought, but still more of a homebody. I liked how it was somewhat philosophical and eloquent at the same time.

The Vocabulary of The Hobbit

1. Braces: "said our Mr. Baggins, and stuck one thumb behind his braces, and blew out another even bigger smoke-ring.(page 15)"  Braces: similar to suspenders, Braces are made of fabric or leather and made to hold up one's pants. e.x. Jack was incredibly embarrassed when he discovered his braces had come undone. 
2. Throng: "Let us join the throng! (page 20)" . Throng: a large group of people gathered closely together. e.x.: As John maneuvered through the throng inside the train station, he could see his Mother waving to Him.
3. Porter: "Some called for ale, and some for porter, and one for coffee, and all of them for cakes; so the hobbit was very busy for a while.(page 21)" Porter: a dark style of beer originating in 18th century London. e.x.: Because his bus hadn't yet arrived, Maxwell decided to pop into the pub for a quick bottle of porter.
4. Skriking: "Shrieking and skriking that followed were beyond description.(page 86)" Skriking: To cry. An onomatopoeic word that describes an irritating crying that gets on your nerves. e.x.: The baby's skriking was begin ning to annoy Samuel.
5. Meal: "Grinds hard stones to meal.(page 101)" Meal: a granular substance produced by grinding. e.x.: As Jim monitored the quarry, he could see the meal being excavated.
6. Antiquity: "He knew, of course, that the riddle-game was sacred and of immense antiquity.(page 104)" Antiquity: The quality of being old or ancient. e.x.: The baseball glove's antiquity increased its value.
7. Sorrel: "He nibbled a bit of sorrel, and he drank from a small mountain-stream that crossed the path.(page 124)" Sorrel: A European plant (genus rumex) of the dock family, with arrow-shaped leaves that are used in salads and cooking for their acidic flavor. e.x.: While in Europe, Seth bought some Sorrel seeds for his Mother.
8. Marjoram: "the thyme and the sage and the marjoram(page 124)" Marjoram: A southern European plant (organium majroana)of the mint family, used as a culinary herb. e.x.: Add the bay leaf, marjoram and thyme and cook gently for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
9. Eyries: ""Farewell!" they cried, "wherever you fare. till your eyries receive you at your journey's end!"(page 143)" Eyrie: the nest of an eagle or other bird of prey, built in a high inaccessible place. e.x.: As David continued climbing the mountain, he began to find several eyries.
10. Tenfold: ""My armour is like tenfold shields"(page 274)" Tenfold: ten times as great or as numerous. e.x.: The exterminator needed to use a tenfold increase of pesticides to rid the house of termites.
11. Dubious: "dragon-slayings historical, dubious and mythical(page 277)" Dubious: not certain of outcome. e.x.: The status of her car made Susan feel dubious she would reach her destination..
12. Pallid: "Slowly it grew to a little globe of pallid light.(page 286)" Pallid: lacking vigour or intensity. e.x.: As Samuel turned on the UV light he expected it to be very pallid, but was wrong.
13. Flagon: "bones were upon the floor among flagons and bowls(page 291)" Flagon: a large container in which drink is served, typically with a handle or spout. e.x.: The bartender handed Johnson several shot glasses and a flagon filled with whiskey.
14. Parley: "I will not parley, as I have said(page 319) Parley: a conference between opposing sides in a dispute, especially of terms for an armistice. e.x.: Jacob and his wife were known to constanly have parleys.
15. Succoured: :"he has succoured the people of the lake in their need(page 319)" Succour to give assistance or aid to. e.x.: When Hurricane Sandy hit, the victims were succoured by the red cross foundation.