Good vs. Evil

Tolkien, like other major British authors, such as C.S. Lewis, did a wonderful job of creating a good literary balance between good and evil in The Hobbit. The darkness is not overpowering to the point where it would be inappropriate for children, but it is there enough to be a warning and a learning opportunity. W.R. Irwin emphasizes that Tolkien does “not make the sentimental mistake of denying or minimizing the powers of darkness” (Irwin 567). 

Tolkien knows that eliminating darkness in his story would be unrealistic – stories are based off conflict between good and evil, and evil exists in the real world. Tolkien recognizes that evil and darkness are very real things. They do not come in the form of dragons, goblins, and trolls, but they very much do exist. Some of Tolkien’s forms of evil and darkness are just pretend in our world, but he also brings in forms that we see every day: greed, stereotyping, and fear. These types of darkness show up continuously throughout The Hobbit. 

Tolkien knows that toning down the evil and darkness in his novel would not help his readers learn and grow at all. He balances moments of darkness and fear with moments of light and courage, creating a harmony that all his readers can learn from.

-M