Found an essay today...

[Encaitare]

"Life is short and one must life while alive."

I do see where the person is coming from, even if he didn't explain it that well. Bilbo secretly wouldn't mind a little adventure, even if he has to be forced into the situation.

She suggested that to a boy, the plot (which is what the essay's focus was) would be the thing which draws you in, all the adventure and excitement, whereas, to me, a girl (and a linguist), the history and languages are what captivate me. What do you guys think about that view?

I believe that the male Downers would vehemently disagree with that, as great as the plot is. I think (from personal experience; I suppose it's different for everyone) that the plot of a story is often what draws you in first, and then you appreciate the depth more as you reread. I wonder how many times the writer of the essay read the Hobbit and LotR.