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Critical Theory Research

According to Rubel, Maximilien, and Margaret Manale, marxism is a critical theory founded by Fredrick Engels and Karl Marx; it is a sociopolitical and economic worldview that rejects capitalism a system based on private regulation and ownership and advocates for communism, a moneyless, classless and stateless society order. The theory held that irrespective of how democratic a state claim to be, it is normally an instrument for oppression, domination and exploitation of the weak class, it admits that it struggles to overcome the exploitation and domination forms from the self-emancipation of the working class.

In the novel of the Hobbit, there is an emphasis on the theory; we see Tolkien emphasizing on the dwarves materialistic nature who claimed to be born of stone and value jewels, mining and stonework. In addition, Tolkien flavors their personality with their riches and gold with a lot of emphasis being placed after the death of Smaug, which resulted to the shifting of their attention to hunt Arkenstone and the wonderful treasures, (Fisher, Jude et al). According to Stefánsson, SG, we see Thorin an example of a noble dwarf whose character turns to the worst being consumed by his riches to the point he loses his friendliness and respect towards anyone who tries to oppose his greed. Thorin is considered as an individual who blinded by his riches and part of the greedy upper class who lacks to share the wealth with those who deserve it leading to the emergence of a class conflict. In the novel, we, also see Bilbo who focuses on promoting the interest of all being disapproved by Thorin, labeled as a traitor and exiled from the party.

From the discussion above, it is evident that Marxism is prevalent in the novel with various parties just being concerned with the material wealth at the expense of the lower class that eventually lead to class conflict. In spite of the successful advocate of the exploitation by the upper class, the theory is faced by critics’ hat it is wrong to refer to the state as an instrument used in exploitation and oppression.

Works Sited

Fisher, Jude et al. The Hobbit. Boston, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2012,.Rubel, Maximilien, and Margaret Manale. Marx Without Myth. New York (N.Y.) [Etc.], Harper & Row, 1976,.Stefánsson, SG. JRR Tolkien. A Marxist Reading. 2014, https://skemman.is/bitstream/1946/18170/1/B.a._Eassy_Stef.