Independent Thesis Paper

One

Alfred North Whitehead once stated "It is in literature that the concrete outlook of
humanity receives its expression." This quote means that in literature the paths that individuals
choose to follow are explored. These choices combined as a whole decide the direction of
humanity will move in. Sometimes even the smallest of people can make a difference and as a
result alter the course of history. An example of this is the actions done by Bilbo Baggins in
J.R.R. Tolkein’s The Hobbit.

J.R.R. Tolkein’s character Bilbo Baggins is a remarkably complex personality. Bilbo
Baggins is a typical hobbit. Hobbits are little people, with curly hair on their heads and hair on
their feet. Most hobbits prefer to live comfortably in their huts and are generally not adventurous,
with the exception of the Took family. Bilbo is introduced as a content and even simple hobbit
and grows throughout the novel as a result of participating in a number of dangerous adventures.
The wizard Gandalf enlists Bilbo to join a group of thirteen dwarves, as a burglar, looking to find
their heirloom of treasure. The dwarves doubt Bilbo’s usefulness upon meeting him and they only
accept him because of Gandalf’s insistence that the hobbit is more than what he seems.
"I have chosen Mr. Baggins and that ought to be enough for all of you. If I say he is a
Burglar, a Burglar he is, or will be when the time comes. There is a lot more in him than
you guess, and a deal more than he has any idea of himself," (Tolkein 19).
This quote shows the influence that Gandalf has over the dwarves and hobbit. After Gandalf
states this the dwarves grudgingly accept Bilbo as a part of their quest. It also shows the
confidence the wizard has in Bilbo. This quote also implies that Bilbo will play a major role later
in the novel. Gandalf clearly states that Bilbo is much more than what he seems. Gandalf’s
statement strongly supports the idea of even the smallest people can make a difference, literally
because of Bilbo’s size, and figuratively because of the confidence in Bilbo shown by the dwarves.
The dwarves then offer then Bilbo a share of the treasure if he decides to join them on their
adventure. Bilbo is unsure of what to do because of his ancestry.

Bilbo is half Baggins and half Took. Generally the Baggins side of him ruled, but the
Took side was waiting for an opportunity to come out. This opportunity came when Gandalf and
the dwarves came knocking on Bilbo’s door. The dwarves’s offer to join their adventure weighs
heavily on Bilbo’s mind and he struggles to make a decision. After listening to the dwarves sing a
variety of songs about dragons and treasure the Took side of Bilbo prevails and he decides to join
the dwarves on their adventure.

Throughout the novel and a series of adventures Bilbo grows in terms of his character.
His first test comes when the group encounters several trolls. Bilbo scouts the area and attempts
to pickpocket from one of the trolls. This attempt ends in disaster as the dwarves and hobbits are
captured. Gandalf comes and rescues them and the trolls are turned to stone by the sunlight. The
dwarves’s opinion of Bilbo does not change. As the group travels through the Misty Mountains
they escape a storm and take refuge in an abandoned cave. The cave turns out to be home to the
goblins. The group fights and tries to escape from the goblins. During the escape Bilbo is
accidentally left behind. The dwarves and wizard escape unharmed. Bilbo wanders the cave
alone and becomes lost. Trying to find a way out Bilbo encounters the creature Gollum, who
lives on an island under the cave. Bilbo’s character develops as he enters a game of riddles with
Gollum, if Bilbo wins Gollum will show him the way out of the cave and if he loses Gollum will
be free to eat him. Bilbo shows his wit by creating and answering increasingly complex riddles.
Bilbo then finds a magic ring, a ring of power. It is then discovered that the ring belongs to
Gollum and is known as his "precious." Bilbo wins the game of riddles and learns that when he
wears the ring it makes him invisible. Gollum is furious about losing his ring and believes that
Bilbo cheated, then refuses to help him out of the cave. Bilbo escapes by using the ring and
following Gollum, who unintentionally shows him the way out.

When Bilbo returns his status with the dwarves is greatly improved. He speaks of his
encounter with Gollum and his desperate escape from the goblins. However he doesn’t mention
the ring. The dwarves now view Bilbo with more respect. Later in the novel the group travels
through the enchanted Mirkwood forest. In the dark the group is separated and captured by giant
spiders. Bilbo cuts himself free and kills the spider. He then decides to name his sword, Sting.
"Somehow the killing of the giant spider, all alone by himself in the dark without the help of the
wizard or the dwarves or of anyone else, made a great difference to Mr. Baggins," (Tolkein 155).
This shows how Bilbo has grown through his actions. While earlier he depended on others for
protection he now is able to protect himself. Bilbo then puts on the ring and goes in search of the
dwarves. He finds that they are all captured and guarded by the giant spiders. He then lures the
spiders away by throwing rocks and singing derogatory songs about the spiders. He then sneaks
back and frees his friends. They are outnumbered by spiders and are only spared because of the
fact that they have wandered into the elves territory.

The head of the dwarves, Gloin has been captured and soon after the remainder of the
dwarves are also taken prisoner. Bilbo is invisible with the ring and avoids being captured. He
then devises a plan to free the dwarves. Bilbo releases the dwarves from their cells and they
escape down the river. After freeing his friends from the spiders and the elves Bilbo has gained
respect and trust from the dwarves. They now value his opinion and ideas. Bilbo also has grown
more confident in himself and abilities.

After much hardship the dwarves have crossed the mountains and arrived in the territory
of the dragon Smaug. Bilbo also discovers the secret entrance to Smaug’s lair. As the official
burglar Bilbo then sneaks into the mountain and finds Smaug with a mountainous pile of treasure.
Bilbo then steals a single golden cup and returns to the dwarves. Smaug is enraged and goes on a
rampage destroying everything in his path. Bilbo returns the following night only to discover the
dragon waiting for him. Similar to his encounter with Gollum, Bilbo speaks to Smaug in riddles.
In this manner Bilbo discovers the dragon’s single weakness, he is unarmed on his stomach near
his left foreleg. Through flattery, Smaug willing shows Bilbo his weakness. The conversation
between Bilbo and Smaug shows Bilbo’s intelligence and his growth. It also shows him simple
minded Smaug is.

The next day the group descends the mountain and discovers that Smaug is not there.
They then raid the treasure. Bilbo takes a magnificent gem, the Arkenstone as his share of the
treasure. He later learns that this is what the dwarves desire most. Bilbo knows at some point he
must inform the dwarves of his action. Meanwhile Smaug is wreaking destruction among the
nearby towns. Smaug is then shot and killed by a human Bard. Following the dragon’s death the
humans and elves remember the treasure Smaug was guarding. They then march to the mountain
to claim their share of treasure. The humans and elves are willing to go to war with the dwarves
over the treasure. Trying to avoid war Bilbo sneaks into the camp of the humans and elves to
make a proposition. He offers the Arkenstone to be used to help bargain with the dwarves. They
accept but ask Bilbo to explain his actions. He responds "I may be a burglar - or so they say:
personally I never really felt like one - but I am an honest one, I hope, more or less," (Tolkein
271). This adds another level to Bilbo’s character. It shows how he really feels and that he is
willing to risk everything to avoid war. Bilbo also adds that he will accept the consequences of
his actions and is okay with whatever the dwarves choose to do with him. Gandalf appears and
praises Bilbo for his bravery and decisions.
Negotiations later begin between the humans, elves and dwarves. When the humans show
the Arkenstone the dwarves fly into a rage and turn on Bilbo. Using his wit Bilbo states that he
took the stone as his share of treasure, as stated in their earlier contract. The dwarves are forced
to accept. Still furious the dwarves declare war on the humans and elves, over the stone.
However the goblins are advancing in war and force the dwarves, humans and elves to unite.
The Hobbit has many themes but some are more prominent than others. One of the most
important is that of individual growth. Bilbo Baggins is a perfect example. In the beginning of
the novel, Bilbo is a simple, laid back hobbit and then as the novel advances Bilbo grows into a
brave, self-sufficient and adventurous hobbit. Although he never grows in terms of size Bilbo is a
new character at the end of the novel. However he settles back into his home and previous
lifestyle as if nothing ever happened, only more intelligent and self assured. He is not bothered by
the fact that the other hobbits do not believe any of his tales and find him strange. Bilbo has
gained valuable friends, who occasionally come to visit.

Another prominent theme is the conflict between good and evil. Throughout the novel the
forces of good and evil are in conflict. The dwarves, hobbit and wizard battle dwarves and
goblins. Later they battle wolves and wargs and are rescued by the eagles. Bilbo battles spiders
to rescue his dwarven friends. Finally the humans, dwarves, elves, wizard and eagles battle the
combined evil forces of the goblins and wargs in the Battle of Five Armies.

The forces of good and evil are symbolized in several different ways. The eagles
symbolize good, as they always arrive to save the heroes. First from the wolves and wargs and
later in the Battle of Five Armies. The eagles then offer to help the heroes and fly them to the
edge of the enchanted Mirkwood forest. Evil is symbolized with the goblins, spiders and wargs.
Bilbo symbolizes hope and innocence. Bilbo faces challenges that any other hobbit would have
backed away from but never once thinks of quitting. Bilbo never gives up hope and always
continues on.

The Hobbit makes a strong case for the human spirit and its resilience. Depending on the
strength of the individual the human spirit can either survive or be broken as a result of facing
challenges. Bilbo and the dwarves demonstrate how the human spirit is not easily broken.
Although they experience many hardships they never give up or turn away from a challenge. If
anything, the characters in the hobbit are strengthened by their journey rather than being
disheartened. They experience a personal growth, especially Bilbo. The Hobbit supports the idea
that the human spirit is exceptionally strong and helps a person grow in terms of character.

J.R.R. Tolkein’s character Bilbo Baggins in The Hobbit is a perfect example of how a
single individual can affect the course of history, regardless of size. Throughout history there
have been countless individuals who have altered the course of history. A perfect example is
Adolf Hitler. Adolf Hitler was a disturbed individual who made a profound impact in history. He
was a mastermind in presenting his ideas and maintaining loyalty. Hitler can be labeled as evil for
his actions. It is amazing to think that one individual was responsible for the death of millions of
people. Hitler is one of the most well-known individuals in history for his actions. While Hitler
made a negative effect on the history of mankind and Bilbo Baggins made a positive impact on the
history of Middle Earth, both individuals are examples of how one individual can affect the course
of history.

The Hobbit is a very influential novel. It touches on topics such as self-worth, friendship,
trust and responsibility. Athough the novel takes place in a fictional world it can be applied to life
today. For example Bilbo Baggins working to prove his worth in the eyes of the dwarves. As a
result of going on a long, dangerous journey Bilbo undergoes a personal growth and is virtually a
new hobbit. Bilbo also works to be trusted and as a result gains a group of new friends. The
Hobbit is a classic and probably will always be. Most importantly the novel supports the idea of
individual importance and the profound impact that one can have in history.

Tolkein, J.R.R. The Hobbit. New York: Ballantine Books, 1966

Reflection

This year working on a blog was a new experience for me. It had its ups and downs but for the most part I enjoyed it, but not all of the assignments. When I started with the blog I hated it, partly because I didn't know how to use it. But over time and the more I used it the easier it became. It took me a while to learn how to post and add images. I like the idea of having a blog because it keeps all of the assignments in one place and they can be easily viewed. I liked having everything organized. I also liked posting them to the blog because it was pretty easy to make changes if needed. I really enjoyed adding pictures and images to help enhance the quality of the assignment. What I liked most about the blog is being able to make it unique and express myself.

Although for the most part I enjoyed working on the blog, there were things that I really disliked. With the mythology assignment I had difficulty adding images and managing the layout. But in the end it worked out. The thing I really do not like is making a profile and giving out personal information. I prefer to fill out only enough information to open an account. Overall I have enjoyed working on the blog and have learned from it, not only about working online but also in personal expression.

Solve the Crime

The murder of Robert Domingos

http://www.zodiackiller.com/DomingosEdwards.html
http://www.zodiacmurders.com/victim_sb_murders.html
http://www.quickoverview.com/overviews/zodiac-killer.html

Robert Domingos and his fiancee Linda Edwards were killed Tuesday, June 4, 1963. Domingos and Edwards were students at Lompoc High School and were participating in "Senior Ditch Day," when the murder took place. They were killed on a beach near Lompoc, California. Domingos and Edwards were off in a remote area by themselves when attacked. Edwards was forced to bind Domingos with a rope. They tried to flee and were shot by the attacker. Domingos was shot 11 times in the back and Edwards was shot 9 times in the chest. The weapon was a .22 caliber semi-automatic. The bodies were then placed in a nearby shack, Edwards on top of Domingos, with her bathing suit cut open. The attacker then repeatedly tried to set the shack on fire but was unsuccessful. There were no witnesses. Because of the remote location their bodies were not found until the following night. The time of attack is unknown, though thought to be in the late afternoon. The murder of Robert Domingos and Linda Edwards is case number 73855.

There is evidence that suggests that both individuals were killed by the Zodiac. There are striking similarities between the Domingos/Edwards attack and that of the Lake Berryessa attack by the Zodiac. Both cases were motiveless assaults and took place at a remote location. Some of the similarities include having the female victim tie up the male victim and using pre-cut lenghts of rope. The Domingos/Edwards case is conclusively the work of the Zodiac.

Poetry

Lines, inspired by Martha Collins's Lines

Life is a series of lines
Lines are the decisions that we make on a daily basis
A line is really a means of going from point A to point B
Each day we are faced with choices
And must decide
To go left or right, up or down,
Which path or line to follow
Sometimes the line is easy to find and straight
Or concealed and hard to follow
A line can be as simple as walking from one place to another
I follow lines every day
When talking with someone I follow a series of lines
Direct or not, both working to achieve the same thing
Answer the question
When riding I work a series of lines
Point A to Point B
Working to keep the horse in alignment
When cutting, holding the line
Straight across end to end, holding an offensive position
Or taking a defensive position, giving ground in the corners
Driving up in the cut, moving from one position to another
Life is a series of lines
Everyone walks a different path
Follows a different line

Micro/Flash Fiction 1

The Puzzle, by Phil Gardner
http://www.philgardner.net/mfPuzzle.html

The Puzzle is about literally, a jigsaw puzzle. However the jigsaw is not only a puzzle, it represents life. The main characters are Steve and the jigsaw puzzle. The conflict is about Steve's struggles to put the puzzle together. Steve mainly conflicts with external forces to try and find the last missing piece of the puzzle. The theme of this micro fiction is the importance of one piece in relation to the whole. Until Steve found the last piece, the puzzle was described as "incomplete and useless." The missing piece was also described as insignificant until it was found. When the missing piece is placed in the puzzle both have a significance. While each alone seem insignificant, when together they take on a new meaning and are source of happiness. Steve's struggle to find the missing piece also represents one's struggle with life. Steve turned his house upside down to find the missing piece, only to find it in plain view. Today people struggle to put their lives together and find the missing piece(s). The jigsaw puzzle is a metaphor for life. Life is a puzzle and is put together with determination, just as Steve was able to complete his jigsaw puzzle over time.

Micro/Flash Fiction 2

Chasing Death, by Kimberly Holt-Whitlock
http://www.wingedhalo.com/mag/chasing.html

This flash fiction is about a child dealing with it's mother's death. The child and the father are the main characters. The child is waiting for the mother to return, not fully understanding that she is gone. The conflict is within the child, since it struggles to understand the death of its mother. The child simply believes that the mother is sad and crying, as she had in the past, and will return. The father explains that she is not coming back. The child chases the hearse down the road until it disappears and the child is unable to run anymore. The father consoles the child and says that death cannot be chased away, which is the theme of the story. Death is a part of life and cannot be escaped. However people react and deal with death in different ways. A child may not accept it, an adult is able to as adults have more life experience. This flash fiction is very short but still conveys a powerful message about how death is part of life.

Micro/Flash Fiction 3

Fog, by Alice Whittenburg
http://www.pifmagazine.com/SID/522/

Fog is a story about a man who is captured by fear. For years his fear held him prisoner in his room. For years he lived this way, missing only the varying natural light of the day. The man is the main character and he is not very complicated. He allows his fear to control his life, and lives in the dark, until he hears of a fog approaching the city. The fog completely envelopes the city and the man is hypnotized by it. Intrigued, he opens his blinds and allows the light into his room. A filtered, gray light fills his room. He finds the fog and the gray light comforting. He seems dependent on it, listening to the weather each day hoping that the fog will continue. The presence of the fog makes a difference in the man. He dreams that the fog gives him freedom to enjoy the outside world. He dreams of being a part of the fog and observing the outside world. He is drunk on the fog and obsessed. The fog becomes a crisis for the city but gives this man a new outlook on life. He tries to bring the fog into his home, but is not very successful. Wanting more and more of the fog he leans out his window and immerses himself in it. In a euphoric state he throws himself out into the fog. Having the fog around removed the man's fear, but when he throws himself into the fog, his fear returns. The man is more in tune to the fact that his fear returned than the fact that he is falling. Based on the fog's effect on the man and the way it is described (feels like the tail of a gray cat), it can be classified as a character. The conflicts are between the man and his fear. Fog has a theme of fear and the effect that it can have on you. Fog also shows how you can overcome your fear but how having no fear can be dangerous (the man's fearless obsession with the fog leads to his death).

Micro/Flash Fiction 4

Bath, by Mary L. Hamilton
http://www.rumble.sy2.com/stories/bath.html

Bath is about the character Marisol taking a bath. The elements are described in great detail such as how her movements affect the water. The work takes place in a bathroom tub. The main character is Marisol, however the water in the tub could be seen as a character also. The water is characterized in several ways. Metaphorically the water is described as a lukewarm blanket. The water crashes as tiny waves against the tub walls and invades Marisol's ears. The mood begins as very tranquil and relaxing, then moves to a very chaotic, conflicting feeling. The tranquil, relaxing feeling is generated from the description of the lavender bath salts filling the room and Marisol's body. The mood changes to being more chaotic once Marisol enters the tub and the water begins to rage. The conflict can be described as between the water and Marisol. With every movement of Marisol's body the water reacts, either subtly or crashing into the tub. Mary Hamilton efficiently turns an everyday activity into an epic journey.