Understanding J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit: For Children, by Children?

Often, when discussing The Hobbit, one might assume it is more suited for younger readers due to its folklore and mythical elements. However, it's crucial to delve into the context of Tolkien's original intentions, the evolution of children's literature, and the differences between the book and its modern cinematic adaptations to fully appreciate its literary value.

Was The Hobbit Really Written for Children?

The Hobbit, co-created by J.R.R. Tolkien, resonates with a wide array of readers, from younger children to more mature audiences. It is indeed a book penned with a younger audience in mind. Tolkien himself was an adept storyteller who crafted tales that captured the essence of childhood curiosity and wonder. When he wrote the book for his children, he did so with the intention of sparking their imagination and engaging them in a thrilling narrative.

Childhood Literature Before Tolkien

Children's literature has a rich history, with works that sometimes included graphic and violent content. Grimms' Fairy Tales, for example, had tales with disturbing elements that may not be suitable for modern audiences. The shift in children's literature came with the need to create a safer and more sanitized reading experience for young readers, leading to the development of books more in line with the sensibilities of contemporary parents and guardians.

The Book's Age Appropriateness

The Hobbit contains themes and elements that might be considered slightly dark or mature for very young children. The story features violent elements, including giants, spiders, and a dragon. However, this does not diminish its value as an engaging and entertaining read. Tolkien himself might not have imagined the story as an exclusively child's book, given his later work The Lord of the Rings, which is more complex and mature.

Tolkien's Original Intentions

Tolkien wrote The Hobbit as a bedtime story for his children, intending to captivate their imagination with a fantastical adventure. Over time, the story's success prompted him to expand on it, resulting in the much more complex The Lord of the Rings. The original version was closer to a children's book, retaining its inherent charm and simplicity, which made it particularly appealing to young readers.

Reading The Hobbit as an Adult

For adults, The Hobbit offers a unique reading experience. Repeated readings can uncover layers of depth and insight that might be missed during a first read. The book delves into themes of identity, friendship, and leadership, making it an enriching read for older readers. It also serves as a gateway to understanding the fuller scope of Tolkien's Middle-earth, which is further explored in The Lord of the Rings.

Cultural Impact and Adaptations

The cultural impact of The Hobbit is significant, inspiring the creation of other works like C.S. Lewis' The Chronicles of Narnia. The tale's enduring appeal can be attributed to its blend of fantasy, adventure, and moral lessons. Its relative simplicity compared to The Lord of the Rings made it an excellent story for television and film adaptations, including the BBC's 'Jackanory' series and later the live-action films directed by Peter Jackson.

The film adaptation by Peter Jackson, with its graphic violence and significant departures from the source material, may have interpreted Tolkien's work in a way that could be unsuitable for the originally intended audience. However, for those who remember the story as they first encountered it in print, The Hobbit remains a cherished and cherished classic of children's literature.