The Themes on The Hobbit and Desolation Row - Essay Example

Having no experience at all in wars or anything related to fighting, the hobbit was hesitant at first but he eventually agreed to join the wizard’s team on an adventure of his life. Nevertheless, he was always perceived by Thorin as a liability and a burden to them because they have to protect him from being harmed- a condition that adds to the leader’s responsibilities. Therefore, the hobbit thought of going back home. However, after some emotional reactions and thoughts of leaving the team, the hobbit’s abilities were then put to test when unexpectedly, the members of the group faced danger at the hands of the goblins.

Nonetheless, before he was finally accepted as a hero, the hobbit had to go through some dangers by himself, coming face to face with Gollum, a deceiving carnivore corrupted by a magical golden ring. Eventually, he escapes his enemy and rejoins the group who also managed to escape the goblins with the help of Gandalf. However, that was not the end of their dilemma because shortly right after, they again faced the orcs. In his anger, Thorin attacked their leader but was badly hurt and became unconscious.

It was then that the hobbit courageously faced the orc. With the help of birds, the team was rescued and brought to a safe place. From there they continued their journey to the Lonely Mountain to destroy the dragon and the story continues until the kingdom is reclaimed (Tolkien). The narration may be a fantasy story nevertheless it portrays facts about life that are observed even in modern times. The Hobbit tells similar themes expressed by Robert Zimmerman, popularly known as Bob Dylan, a singer-songwriter, musician, artist, and writer who wrote the poem entitled Desolation Row.

The poem is an enjambment, having lines of varying lengths continuing over a line break (poetryarchive.org), which presents ancient and modern worldviews on politics, leadership, virtues, and even negative characteristics such as envy, greed, and lust. In The Hobbit, it is narrated that Lonely Mountain was once a powerful and successful kingdom, respected and admired for its vast wealth (Tolkien). However, because of the old king’s love for the gemstone, the gem that soon brought disaster to the kingdom was discovered.

During the attack of the great dragon on the dwarves’ kingdom, the elves who were once their allies did not even give a helping hand. Therefore, a gap was built between the two kingdoms. Similarly, Desolation Row discusses themes of racism, hatred, vengeance, and injustices. The first part of the poem speaks about the lynching in 1920 when three African-American circus workers were accused of raping a white girl although they were never found guilty (Tuffley). The act is said to have been performed because the accused were Blacks.

Their side of the story was never heard. In the same manner, Thorin perceived the elves as his enemies simply because he saw them turn their backs when the great dragon attacked their kingdom. After the good relationships the two kingdoms shared, there has been a separation between the dwarves and the elves, at least in Thorin’s mind. Nevertheless, as the wise wizard said, the elves must have reasons for their actions which Thorin must also consider and understand (Tolkien).