J.R.R Tolkien's epic, The Hobbit, transports the reader into another realm filled with fantastic beings and objects through the utilization of imagery. The imagery used not only helps create a mental picture of the setting, but is also used to portray the main character, symbolize, and foreshadow events.
The description of Bilbo's little hobbit-hole is the first example of imagery. The "floors tiled and carpeted" (3), the "perfectly round door...with a shiny yellow brass knob in the exact middle" (3), and the "deep-set round windows [that looked] over his garden, and meadows beyond..."(3) all show of the hobbit's particular, calm personality at the beginning of the story. Furthermore, the imagery of Bilbo's approaching the Lonely Mountain has two different kind of effects. For instance, as he draws closer to the mountain, the trees, shore, and cliff disappear, leaving the mountain alone. This picture may signify Bilbo's taking leadership over the dwarves and over their situation. Secondly, the mountain's "dark head" (205) shows through "a torn cloud" (205) and "looms" (205). This sinister setting foreshadows the peril the mountain holds for Bilbo and the dwarves.
Imagery plays a key part in The Hobbit. Without it, the story would lack depth and meaning. The reader wouldn't feel involved and would lose much understanding of the main character's situation and outlook on events.
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