The novel, The Hobbit, is an excellent example of what being an out cast is like. The Hobbit, Bilbo, is on an adventure with a lot of dwarfs . Bilbo is alone, being the only Hobbit on this adventure. Many of the dwarfs make snide remarks toward Bilbo and don't like the fact that he has joined their adventure as the 14th party. However, the group starts their journey under the guidance of Gandolf, the wizard, together.

As the novel goes on the group follows a path that is supposed to lead them to the treasure they are looking for. The path in the novel symbolize life. The group often turns off the path when Gandolf is not there to guide them. The path is the yellow brick road so to speak. When the group is on the path nothing bad happens to them, only when they venture off do the bad things start to occur. The group quite often, gets side tracked and wonder from the path. These unexpected curves and side trails are like life and how we never know what tomorrow may bring. Together this group that consists of on Hobbit and thirteen dwarfs must work together to complete the adventure together.

One very unusual thing in the book is that when the group tends to wonder off the trail/path, Gandolf is not there. But, when the group is in danger, then and only then does Gandolf appear. When Gandolf does appear, he fixes the situation and the problem is somewhat solved. In one particular situation, Gandolf helps the dwarfs escape, but Bilbo falls and becomes unconscience. Alone Bilbo finds himself fighting for survival and trying to find a way out. When Gandolf leaves, Bilbo is maturing and becoming more independent, (Bilbo) has to do things on his own without Gandolfs help, therefore Bilbo is "growing up". I believe that this novel will be about Bilbo growing up, not necessarily physical but, emotionally and spiritually. I think that Bilbo will grow up in maturity and character. He will become more independent and self confident. He will also learn to compromise with the dwarfs and he will grow close to them and gain respect from them.

I hope as the story unfolds, we the readers can see how Bilbo grows in his strength of character, sense of pride and self confidence. I hope that the dwarfs learn that Bilbo is an important part of their group. This is very true, because, Bilbo can see the future in his dreams. I have a feeling that this will help them in the future and now that Bilbo has the ring, I know that the ring will play an important role in the novel. In the novel, Gandolf says repeatedly that Bilbo has an important role in the group, however many of the dwarfs do not agree with him. I believe that as the story moves along the dwarfs will find that Bilbo is special and he is important. I think that it is so true in today's youth, that we all judge someone before we really know who they are, much like how the dwarfs judged Bilbo.

"I'd like to tell today's youth that no matter where life takes you, big cities, small towns, you'll enviably come across small minds. People who think that they are better than you are. People that think material things or being pretty or popular automatically makes you a worth while human being. I'd like to tell today's youth that none of these things matter. Unless you have a strength of character, integrity, sense of pride. And if you're lucky enough to have any of these things, don't sell 'em. Don't ever sell out. So when you meet a person for the very first time, please don't judge them by their station in life. 'Cause who knows that person just might end up being you best friend." (Dawson's Creek)

I feel that this is so true, people judge others before they even get to know them. I feel that the dwarfs underestimated Bilbo and pre-judged who he really is. I only hope that the dwarfs find that Bilbo is important and I hope that Bilbo finds that he has more respect and pride for himself.