LE3 .A278 2014

2014

Whetter, Kevin

Acadia University

Bachelor of Arts

Honours

English

English & Theatre Studies

In this thesis, I endeavour to explain why The Hobbit deserves further critical research. First, in Chapter One, I illustrate the key elements which Tolkien believed must be contained within a genuine fairy story. Next I consider two of Tolkien’s pre-hobbit minor works, Mr. Bliss and Roverandom, and how they fall short of being true fairy stories. I then begin to examine The Hobbit itself. In Chapter Three I focus on some of the works which had significant influence on Tolkien while writing The Hobbit. In the final chapter, I explore some of the current critical studies on the novel and attempt to show how these studies do not do The Hobbit justice. I also attempt to comment on some of the characters which scholars tend to overlook, such as the Mirkwood elves, and the eagles. Drawing attention to these shortcomings in the current studies of The Hobbit confirms that more critical research must be done. Overall, I venture to establish that The Hobbit has been greatly, and wrongly, ignored by scholars.

The author retains copyright in this thesis. Any substantial copying or any other actions that exceed fair dealing or other exceptions in the Copyright Act require the permission of the author.

https://scholar.acadiau.ca/islandora/object/theses:1175