Bilbo Baggins Quote I Like Half Of You
If you are a fan of J.R.R. Tolkien's book "The Hobbit" or the movie adaptation of the same name, you may have come across the quote "I like half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve." This quote was spoken by the main character, Bilbo Baggins, during his birthday party speech.
The Context of the Quote
The context in which Bilbo Baggins made this statement is important to understand its true meaning. Bilbo had just turned 111 years old, which in hobbit years is the equivalent of a human reaching their 33rd birthday. As per hobbit tradition, Bilbo was expected to give a speech and make an announcement of some sort during his birthday party.
In the book, Bilbo's speech starts off quite normally, thanking his guests for coming to his party and wishing them well. However, things take a strange turn when he begins to talk about his own birthday and how he feels about getting older. He then makes the infamous quote, which leaves his guests confused and unsure of how to react.
The Meaning of the Quote
At first glance, it may seem like Bilbo is insulting his guests with this quote. However, the true meaning behind his words is a bit more complex. In essence, Bilbo is saying that he likes some of his guests more than others, but he feels that he should like them all equally. This is because hobbits value equality and fairness above all else.
At the same time, Bilbo acknowledges that there are some people he likes less than others, and that this is not necessarily their fault. This is why he says that he likes them "less than half as well as they deserve" - he recognizes their worth as individuals, but simply cannot bring himself to like them as much as he thinks he should.
The Legacy of the Quote
Despite being a relatively minor moment in "The Hobbit," the quote has become one of the most famous lines in Tolkien's entire body of work. It has been referenced in countless articles, reviews, and discussions about the book, and has even been parodied and adapted in various forms of media.
The quote has also taken on a life of its own outside of the book, becoming a popular meme and catchphrase among Tolkien fans and internet users in general. It has been used in a variety of contexts, both serious and humorous, and has become a shorthand for expressing mixed feelings about someone or something.
Conclusion
The Bilbo Baggins quote "I like half of you half as well as I should like, and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve" is a memorable moment from J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit." While it may seem like an insult at first, the true meaning behind the quote is more nuanced, reflecting hobbit values of equality and fairness. The quote has since become a cultural touchstone, beloved by Tolkien fans and internet users alike.