For
my first artifact, I chose to view a movie. The movie that I watched was The Hobbit directed by Peter Jackson. As
probably already known, The Hobbit is
a prequel to the Lord of the Rings
trilogy, also directed by Jackson, and tells an epic fantasy adventure following
the hobbit Bilbo Baggins. The movie based on a book tells an amazing story
about not only the journey, but also about some of the conflicts that we as
humans are dealing with. Bilbo is a comfortable hobbit and is not seeking any
kind of change in his life. When change literally come knocking at his door by
a large group of dwarves, Bilbo still is defiant. Many times we are like that,
not wanting to accept anything that is unfamiliar. However there is always that
feeling in us to go out and take a risk, exploring outside of our comfort. The Hobbit brings up so many examples of
hope and courage, which is something that evil destroys. It is plain to see how
evil has taken over the lives of so many characters in the movie, and Bilbo is
a part of finding justice and purpose for those that have been tainted by
negative situations. He wants to help the dwarves find their home and in the
process is able to grow personally. Redemption is another topic that can be
found in the movie as well. However it is a different kind of redemption. The
redemption in The Hobbit would be
what Bilbo finds in himself after all the mishaps and extremely close deaths
that everyone in the company experiences. Bilbo is constantly wondering whether
he made the right decision coming on the journey and he faced many trials that
question if it was a good idea or not. However by the end, he comes to a
realization that there is something worth gaining not just for himself, but for
these new friends outside of himself. It’s a sacrifice and a risk for the
dwarves. I really felt encouraged by Bilbo and could definitely relate to the
character. So many times I make excuses to stay in my own comfort zone not
wanting to leave the bubble, but it is important to step outside the door and go
on that journey. I feel people need to take more risks and grasp the opportunities
instead of being so afraid of what they’ll find. Whether it’s good or bad, the
experience should be worth it. It’s how we grow and learn about the important
things.
Thanks, Karis! Rob has seen The Hobbit, but it's still on my list. Your reflections make me think about the quote from our third day of class: "To decide to live as people in the light often means stirring up controversy. It means calling attention to things that others may not want to see. This is why we need the support of other believers. We need people of like mind and faith who will stand together as people of the light. It is not easy to live in the light. It means standing out as one on the hot seat, when many of us prefer life in the coolness of noncommitment." (Shelley B. Copeland, Daily Feast)
ReplyDeleteOne of the things I find interesting is the fact that from the beginning, Gandalf presents Bilbo as a burglar. In the beginning, this doesn't settle well with Bilbo, but as the movie goes on, this shapes the position he feels he need to fill. I find this sense of having a role in the party of dwarves contributes greatly to his determination to stay with them and even to risk his life for them.
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