How is the Bilbo Baggins at the end of the novel different from the Bilbo Baggins in Chapter 1 in 'The Hobbit' by T.R. Tolkien?

Everyone changes, especially in a different environment with different people. Bilbo Baggins is a good example. He changed from a timid, predictable hobbit to a clever, decisive, brave, loyal, responsible hobbit; he also gained a lot of confidence.

His first change was when "something Tookish woke up inside him, and he wished to go see The Great Mountains." It was then when he realized he wanted an adventure; he really did wanted to go see the mountains, but then 'he shuddered; and very quickly he was plain Mr. Baggins again'. He was interested, curious, and scared at the same time. When Bilbo heard that all of them may never return, he got so scared he screamed and fainted.

His second change was the encounter with the trolls. Even though it didn't seem that he changed a lot, he was braver, because he was the one who went first, he not only lead, he also managed to 'pick pockets'. He was also responsible because he thought of the dwarves, and loyal, because he didn't give them away. This shows that Bilbo is trying to overcome his fears .

His third change was the riddles with Gollum. He became much more decisive: "'Go back?' he thought. 'No good at all! Go sideways? Impossible! Go forward? Only thing to do! On we go!'" From this I can tell that Bilbo became a much quicker thinker and faster at making decisions. He also became braver because even though he was afraid of Gollum, he still talked with him. He also won against Gollum, which is a big success for Bilbo, even though he did 'cheated' by not asking a riddle but a question, it still was a big success. He also very luckily, found the ring, which made him invisible to other living beings. He had an advantage because Gollum couldn't see him, therefore Bilbo got away successfully. The ring played a very important role throughout the journey; without the ring , Bilbo couldn't be possibly do a lot of tasks, like running away from Gollum or talking to Smaug without being seen, or rescuing the dwarves from the spiders and from the prisons of the Elvenking, therefore, Bilbo was extremely lucky to find the ring.

His fourth change was rescuing the dwarves from the spiders. This was a big change because Bilbo became even braver , and this time, he had to go single handed to rescue the dwarves even though he knew what would happens if he fails, proving that Bilbo is very loyal. He became cleverer by making a very quick and smart plan, but the plan was very risking, because if he gets caught, the whole adventure would fail, and not only that, the dwarves and Bilbo would get killed. This plan, once again, involved the ring. Bilbo made the spiders very angry first by singing songs that insults the spiders from a distance, then he steals his way back - by using the ring. He fought very bravely using rocks and his elvish blade. Even though the spiders outnumbered him and the dwarves, he still fought bravely.

His fifth change was when he rescued the dwarves from the Elvenking's castle. He did not get caught because he had the ring on, bur even so he thought of a plan to rescue the others out. He was very clever because he did not waste time, and he came up with a good plan. He spend his time exploring the castle and the prison, making sure he knew the place very well, then he checked what everyone did each day, so he can make sure they escape without being seen. At last he thought of a great plan. Even though the dwarves didn't like the very risky plan, they still trusted Bilbo and they escapes safely.

His sixth change, and one of Bilbo's greatest moments in the journey, was when he meets the dragon, Smaug. When they arrived at the doorstep, no one dared to go in expect for Bilbo. This I think, was a very brave move, because no one knew what the dragon would do, and no one expect Bilbo dared to go in. Balin did go with Bilbo, but only half way. Bilbo was facing the sum of all his fears, but he still has the guts to go in and meet Smaug. His very impressive and confident conservation also makes him more of a hero than a Burglar. He calls himself 'the clue-finder, the web-cutter, the stinging fly. I am he who walks unseen. I am the friend of bears and guests of eagles. I am the Ringwinner and the Luckwearer; and I am Barrel-rider' this is obvious he spoke with confidence, and also, he was speaking the truth, but it was more of a riddle. He flatters Smaug by calling him things like ' O Smaug the Tremendous' and ' Smaug the Chiefest and Greatest of Calamities ' or 'Smaug the Mighty'. He very cleverly made Smaug show his weak spot--Smaug's left chest, which was unprotected by armor.

His greatest sacrifice was using the Arkenstone to trade peace, even though he knew Thorin would be furious if he finds out. But he still traded the Arkenstone. This is a great sacrifice because the dwarves now respects Bilbo, they listen to all his opinions, and they are all very thankful because Bilbo had saved their lives more then once. Even though he kind of betrayed Thorin, he remained loyal to the dwarves. When he was offered a place to stay, he refused and stayed with Thorin.

I think that Bilbo had changed a lot as the story went on. He was a timid and predictable hobbit in chapter one. But during his one year long adventure, he gain more confidence, became braver, cleverer, and much more decisive.