So, I just re-read The Hobbit and this time around I was thinking about the lack of
a single female character in the novel. I still love the book, but it is quite disappointing that the presence of women in Middle Earth is basically completely ignored (the only exceptions being a mention of Bilbo's mother and a mention of the women and children of Esgaroth). Obviously, middle earth is made up of many patriarchal societies, however Tolkien did include a few very strong female characters in the Lord of the Rings.
I'm just wondering what other people thought about this (why you think he decided to not have any female characters or what effect this had on your enjoyment of the novel).
Personally, I'm very interested the portrayal of women in literature, movies, tv, etc., and to see a complete lack of even peripheral female characters definitely indicates a completely
prêt masculine world in which men make all the important decisions. At the same time, I do adore the story of Bilbo, the unlikely hero, who I do not think possesses typically "masculine" traits, being able to hold his own and be a leader. Overall, The Hobbit is undoubtedly an excellent story, but I think it is lacking in this aspect of the narrative.
