Poetry...always gives you a touch of genuinity in a novel especially if it exactly fits the general theme. Tolkien loved writing poetry. What is fascinating about his poetry is that it did not seem that he wrote it just for the sake of including it in the chapter. Every poem cannot be taken out of context without reading the chapter and knowing what its about. Again it adds to the theme of fun especially when its in Bilbo's home where there is lots of food, singing, laughter and smoking and as Gandalf said "Bilbo...its a merry gathering".
The very fact that the dwarves with a Hobbit and a wise Wizard plotting something exciting and mysterious after a merry gathering on a dinner table with smoke rings, an old map and a key to a secret door are more than enough to boost the excitement of the reader sky high. The atmosphere is such that the reader wants to experience it, want to live it and while reading; he is visualizing it in his own mind and imagination. Just visualize for a second, 13 dwarves and a hobbit, wearing coats, in a cozy hobbit hole, around a neatly carved wooden table, each sitting smoking their pipes reflecting upon a secret plot/adventure, with a lamp or two lighting the room and a wise Wizard that will guide them through their exciting adventure. You cannot help but so want to be part of this group. Its all about the general theme and impression.
There are some lines in a novel that will grab your attention more than others. Lines that are very meaningful all by themselves even when taking them out of context. Lines that are much more powerful when written alone as a single quote. Such lines I have identified two in the first chapter:
1- "There is a lot more in him than you guess, and a deal more than he has any idea of himself." In my opinion, this line is powerful because the reader generally sees himself in the personality of the main character of the novel. Because for one reason they sympathize with the main character or the character is such that draws too much excitement. This line arouses feelings of self confidence, it lets the reader subconsciously believe that "perhaps there is a lot more courage in me than I think, perhaps I am gifted."
2- "I tried to find one; but warriors are busy fighting one another in distant lands, and in this neighborhood heroes are scarce, or simply not be found." This is a Philosophical statement because it gives you the clear difference between a warrior and a hero in simple terms. It tells you that warriors usually search for fights that satisfy their ego which is why they fight another warrior, someone as strong as them. While heroes on the other hand don't necessarily need to fight. Which also means that you do not need to fight to be a hero. You see, Tolkien has a Philosophical side to his literature. When you break down a passage to pieces, you will find a lot more than what you just read on the surface. It also tells you that you can find allot of warriors but heroes are not found easily, which also tells you that heroes are more valuable and precious than warriors because they are not easily found...like diamonds and pearls vs crystals and gems.
When you throw bits and pieces of "your thing". The little things you have always believed in, the simple things that make a difference in your life and not just scatter them randomly in a novel but with purpose and proper place...you make a powerful impression and emotion. This is what makes a great novel, to give it a deeper meaning in simple words. Its not only about fun and entertainment.
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