The Hobbit: Chapters 1 and 2 (Pages 1-44)

    In the first chapter, Tolkien introduces us to the species commonly called hobbits, short creatures with big feet and even bigger stomachs. Bilbo is half Baggins and half Took, the adventurous side of him. Gandolf visits and says he will arrange for an adventure, and so he does. Dwarves start showing up in pairs or alone, eating and drinking until poor Bilbo has almost nothing left. They talk of stealing from a dragon and Bilbo almost faints. The next morning, he is ushered by Gandolf to join them, and they travel drearily for many days. They see a light on a hill, and Bilbo is sent to investigate, whereupon he manages to get all of the other dwarves captured in sacks. Gandolf comes and saves the day by imitating the trolls, making them argue amongst themselves, until daylight, when they turn to stone. Bilbo hands over a key, and they pillage the trolls hole in the ground, taking their chest full of gold and food.
   When Gandolf tricks the trolls into arguing with each other, he shows Bilbo how to become a hero. Instead of blowing them up with a fireball or moving extremely fast (especially for an old guy) and chopping their heads off, Gandolf tricks them, using no magic or awesome fighting power whatsoever. He does this because Bilbo needs to learn how to be a hero, and Gandalf takes the first step with him, and shows him how by example. When Bilbo sees Gandalf being witty, he learns from it and might be useful in the future as a distraction at the least. This is the first step in the hero's journey, from a hobbit who squeals at the mention of a dragon, to a minor thief who attempts (and fails) to steal from a troll, right in front of its nose.
   "and yet--and yet somehow he could not go straight back to Thorin and company emptyhanded." This quote shows how Bilbo has a little bit of courage, and doesn't want to disappoint his fellow thieves. He is scared out of him wits, but somehow, the Took side of him prevails, and he feels like he should pick pocket the trolls to come back with a little bit of money. Although this gets him caught, it assures the reader that Bilbo is not entirely helpless, and does indeed have some courage and other skills needed as an expert thief. This surprised me because the first chapter made me think that Bilbo was a coward and had made the wrong decision in coming on the quest, but this scene changes my perspective on Bilbo just enough to make me think that he has enough skills and bravery to survive this quest and maybe even come back with a little treasure.