Imagery in "The Hobbit"

     Tolkien used imagery profusely in his novel "The Hobbit". Through the use of this imagery, he was able to make Bilbo's great adventure come to life. For example, in chapter 10 "A Warm Welcome", Tolkien incorporates vivid imagery of Lake Town as well as the dwarfs' miserable journey over there. The wet straw in Thorin's draggled beard gave the readers a mental image of the soggy dwarf. Also, in chapter 13 "Not at Home", he describes the Arkenstone with imagery. It is described as a large gem that took in light and changed it into sparks of white with the colors of the rainbow. Through this visual imagery he describes the Arkenstone's brilliance. Additionally in chapter 11 "On the Doorstep", imagery is used to describe the ominous Lonely Mountain. Tolkien writes that the Lonely Mountain was towering grim and tall in front of them. By this description the mountain feels very intimidating. Imagery in this novel creates feelings from fear to humor. Tolkien utilizes both functions of imagery in his book thoroughly.