Both Pip in Great Expectations and the dwarf company in The Hobbit realize this important lesson as they go about their wandering in life. As a young boy, Pip wanted to grow up to become a gentleman and have lots of riches, but as he experiences his childhood dreams he realizes that they don’t live up to his expectations at all. Pip isn’t satisfied with how his life ended up. He hasn’t spoken to his family in many years, the girl he is head over heels for doesn’t reciprocate his feelings, his benefactor is revealed to be the secret convict that he helped as a young boy, and people only associate with him because he has money. Although Pip was living the life that he was always wanted, he wasn’t happy. He realized that riches and wealth aren't the most important things in life and that it can’t buy his happiness. It can, however, start to blur the line between greed and gratification. Meanwhile, Thorin and the dwarves have reclaimed their homeland, Erebor. In the Lonely Mountain is an immeasurable amount of wealth including gold, white gems, silver, emeralds, and rubies. Dwarves are known to become enchanted by the sight of gold and gems and this enchantment is called dragon sickness. “When the heart of a dwarf, even the most respectable, is wakened by gold and by jewels, he grows suddenly bold, and he may become fierce.” (Tolkien 237). Since Thorin and his company have reclaimed Erebor they have searched through the jewels and gems I search of the king’s jewel, the Arkenstone. Thorin Oakenshield becomes enchanted by the treasure just like his grandfather before him, Thror. Even with all the gold that is beyond measure and count, Thorin gives it all up because he realizes that he was being unreasonable and that judgmental towards his fellow dwarves and Bilbo. They were only trying to help him when he needed it most, but he didn’t want their charity or advice. Thorin gave up the treasure in exchange
Both Pip in Great Expectations and the dwarf company in The Hobbit realize this important lesson as they go about their wandering in life. As a young boy, Pip wanted to grow up to become a gentleman and have lots of riches, but as he experiences his childhood dreams he realizes that they don’t live up to his expectations at all. Pip isn’t satisfied with how his life ended up. He hasn’t spoken to his family in many years, the girl he is head over heels for doesn’t reciprocate his feelings, his benefactor is revealed to be the secret convict that he helped as a young boy, and people only associate with him because he has money. Although Pip was living the life that he was always wanted, he wasn’t happy. He realized that riches and wealth aren't the most important things in life and that it can’t buy his happiness. It can, however, start to blur the line between greed and gratification. Meanwhile, Thorin and the dwarves have reclaimed their homeland, Erebor. In the Lonely Mountain is an immeasurable amount of wealth including gold, white gems, silver, emeralds, and rubies. Dwarves are known to become enchanted by the sight of gold and gems and this enchantment is called dragon sickness. “When the heart of a dwarf, even the most respectable, is wakened by gold and by jewels, he grows suddenly bold, and he may become fierce.” (Tolkien 237). Since Thorin and his company have reclaimed Erebor they have searched through the jewels and gems I search of the king’s jewel, the Arkenstone. Thorin Oakenshield becomes enchanted by the treasure just like his grandfather before him, Thror. Even with all the gold that is beyond measure and count, Thorin gives it all up because he realizes that he was being unreasonable and that judgmental towards his fellow dwarves and Bilbo. They were only trying to help him when he needed it most, but he didn’t want their charity or advice. Thorin gave up the treasure in exchange