The Hobbit

In J.R.R. Tolkien's novel, The Hobbit, manners is significant to the impact of the novel. The main character, Bilbo Baggins, did many things out of politeness, such as joining the dwarves' quest, performing tasks a burglar wasn't required to do, and not killing Gollum when he had the opportunity to. Bilbo's manners had great affect on the outcome of the novel. Firstly, Bilbo joined the dwarves in their quest for the stolen treasure …

…dwarves' perilous quest for the stolen treasure, and several other polite acts he wasn't required to do, but did. Bilbo had the right to seek his revenge on Gollum, and he also had the chance to refuse all of the tasks the dwarves requested, but he did not because he is simply too polite. Therefore, we can conclude that something as simple as manners can have an enormous affect on the fate of countless individuals.