I wrote this essay a few years ago as an example for my 8th-graders. Please forgive the formulaic writing; it was meant to show basic essay structure.
Caring Leadership in The Hobbit
What makes a good leader? What qualities are important for them to have? J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel The Hobbit is an excellent source to look to for answers to these questions. It is a riveting story about Bilbo, a member of the diminutive race of hobbits, who is enlisted to be the fourteenth member of a company of dwarves set to reclaim a mountain and a treasure hoard from the dragon Smaug. Their journey takes them over land and under it, through dark forests and down rough rivers. They face dangerous enemies before they even reach the dragon, and their adventure is still not done once the dragon is vanquished. The reader comes to know several excellent examples of leadership, including Gandalf, a wizard, Thorin, a dwarvish king in exile, and Bilbo, our protagonist. Through these characters, Tolkien teaches about leadership and, more specifically, how a caring leader acts.
Not only is a good leader concerned about the immediate needs of others, but they are also invested in the personal development of their companions. We see this quality in Gandalf, who acts as a guide and protector throughout much of the story. At the beginning of the story, Gandalf encourages Bilbo to go on this adventure with the dwarves, even though hobbits are typically homebodies who don’t venture far from home. Gandalf claims the adventure will be “very good for [him]” (Tolkien 19), which we see as Bilbo grows in spectacular ways, accomplishing things he never would have thought possible, and coming home changed—braver, with an understanding of the world and himself that he would never have gotten if he’d stayed in his hobbit hole (Tolkien 284). Gandalf continually sees more in Bilbo than anyone else does, including Bilbo, and near the end of the adventure, he’s the one to praise Bilbo and acknowledge his growth (Tolkien 258). Gandalf’s mentorship of Bilbo is a prime example of how a leader should help their mentees grow, even exceed previously held ideas of potential.
Thorin Oakenshield may not appear to be a caring leader. His words are often gruff, sarcastic, and even dismissive. In his worst moments, he is selfish and prideful, consumed by greed. But if we are to judge him by his best moments, his actions reveal a heart that cares deeply about his friends, as a leader should. After Bilbo steals a cup from the dragon’s treasure hoard, the whole company is put in danger when Smaug tears the mountainside apart looking for the thief. Most of their company is able to take refuge in a tunnel, but two dwarves, Bombur and Bofur, are down the mountain, exposed to the dragon’s onslaught. Instead of despairing, like his compatriots do, Thorin leaps into action, putting himself in danger to save them while keeping vulnerable members of the party safe (Tolkien 209). This willingness to sacrifice, echoed in other places in the book, shows true caring leadership. Most leaders today may not be called on to sacrifice their lives, but smaller sacrifices of time, effort, and even tears are the marks of truly caring leaders.
A true leader does not always do the popular thing; they know what a group needs, not merely what they want. Bilbo exemplifies this when he gives up the Arkenstone to prevent a war (Tolkien 257). After Smaug is defeated and the dwarves have full access to the treasure hoard, Thorin is confronted by an army of Elves and Men demanding a share in the treasure. Instead of focusing on keeping the peace and protecting his people, Thorin allows his obsession with the treasure, especially the Arkenstone, a beautiful heirloom gem, to blind him to the true needs of the company (Tolkien 252). Bilbo understands that what the group truly needs is to be safe and not starve in a pointless siege (Tolkien 253, 254). Even though he knows he will incur Thorin’s wrath, he gives the Arkenstone to the leaders of the army of Elves and Men with the hope of brokering peace. Acting against Thorin’s desires to help the group proves that Bilbo is wise enough to know what the right thing to do is and strong enough to do it.
A reader and leader-in-training should read through The Hobbit and learn from the examples of Gandalf, Thorin, and Bilbo as they show different aspects of caring leadership. It is not an easy task, but as the effects of such leadership are shown, obviously worth it. Follow the examples of these and other literary characters and learn to help others grow; how to lead by example, even if it requires sacrifice; and show wisdom as you guide those around you toward worthy goals.
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