Study Guide: Answer ?'s as you read
Copy and Paste the text into your submission below. Answer these questions as you read.
CHAPTER 1
1. What is Gandalf’s reputation?
2. How did the dwarves lose their treasure and kingdom?
3. What does the word hobbit make you think of? The possibilities include rabbit, hobby, Babbit, habit and hob. The word is probably best seen as a blend of rabbit and hob, an obsolete British word meaning “a rustic, peasant” or “sprite, elf.” How does Bilbo resemble a rabbit in this chapter? When you finish the novel, ask yourself if he still reminds you of one.
4. What is an adventure? Is it something that happens, or is it the way we react to what happens? Can we live without adventures? Is there any “magic” in this novel? Return to these questions as the novel progresses.
5. Explain all the meanings of “good morning”.
6. What about adventures awakens Bilbo’s “Tookish” side? What causes his “Baggins” side to reemerge? Is the Baggins side timid or practical? Is the Tookish side heroic, curious or proud?
7. Even this early in the novel, we can see some of the characteristics of dwarves. What are they?
8. What are dragons like? As you read on, think about the differences and similarities between dwarves and dragons.
CHAPTER 2
1. Why is it important that Gandalf is not present when the expedition meets the trolls?
2. The trolls are evil, bestial, and disgusting. But do they seem mostly human or nonhuman?
3. Is strength or intelligence more valuable so far in this novel? Why?
CHAPTER 3
1. What is the difference between the way Bilbo and the dwarves react to Rivendell? How does Elrond feel about the expedition, and what does he say about the dwarves’ love of gold and the wickedness of dragons? What values are important to the elves?
2. Who is Elrond? What is the effect of giving a detailed history of a minor character?
CHAPTER 4
1. What does Tolkien tell us about goblins? Discuss what you think goblins look like, and what in the novel gives you that idea.
2. “It is not unlikely that they goblins invented some of the machines that have since troubled the world, especially the ingenious devices for killing large numbers of people at once.” Can you take this statement seriously? Why do you think fantasy is often anti-technological? What does it emphasize instead?
CHAPTER 5
1. Why is it good that Bilbo lost his matches?
2. How does Gollum guess that Bilbo has his ring?
3. How are Bilbo and Gollum alike? HINT: Their motives for the riddle-game, their ability to guess each other’s riddles; their abilities underground; their living in holes. Can you call Gollum evil? HINT: Discuss the concept that Gollum is the negative side of Bilbo, with which he must come to terms before he can achieve his identity.
4. What skills does Bilbo show in dealing with Gollum?
5. “No great leap for a man, but a leap in the dark.” Discuss this quotation with respect to Bilbo’s decision not to kill Gollum, and his newfound courage.
CHAPTER 6
1. Why does the Lord of the Eagles notice the expedition?
2. Would Bilbo try to rescue the dwarves if they were still inside the Mountains? Would they try to rescue him? Why?
3. Why doesn’t Bilbo tell the dwarves about his ring? Do you consider this lying? Why?
4. What does it mean for our opinion of Bilbo’s courage and prowess that Gandalf, his mentor, must be rescued by the Eagles?
CHAPTER 7
1. What is a skin-changer?
2. What is the most important advice that Beorn and Gandalf give about Mirkwood? Why?
3. Compare the expedition’s arrival at Beorn’s house with the Unexpected Party of Chapter 1. Note that now Bilbo is in on the plot. While both hosts have to be cajoled, it is for very different reasons. What are they?
4. Discuss Beorn’s character. What are his virtues? Why is he suspicious of strangers? What about him seems vicious? In what ways is he gentle? How does Bilbo come to understand him? Is there a problem with being a grim man in a grim land?
5. Why is it necessary to the story that Gandalf leave the expedition?
CHAPTER 8
1. When Bilbo climbs the tree, why doesn’t he see an end to the forest?
2. What are the unattractive features of Mirkwood? Do you think the forest is evil? What about the enchanted stream?
3. After Gandalf leaves who become the leaders of the expedition?
4. What makes the expedition lose hope? Why is their despair unjustified?
5. What heroic acts does Bilbo perform? Don’t forget his naming of his sword.
6. Why does Bilbo tell the dwarves about his magic ring? What does his reluctance to do so tell us? What do you think he learns from this?
7. Discuss the ancient feud between dwarves and elves. Whose fault is it? If neither side is in the right, how can you tell the difference between good and evil?
CHAPTER 9
1. Why does the Elvenking imprison the dwarves? Why won’t Thorin tell the Elvenking what his mission is? Define pride and greed.
2. Is Bilbo a burglar now? How does he feel about stealing?
3. The escape plan is completely Bilbo’s. How good is it? How much does it depend on luck? Does he deserve this luck?
CHAPTER 10
1. Why does the master welcome the expedition?
2. “Some sang too that Thror and Thrain would come back one day and gold would flow in rivers through mountain gates, and all that land would be filled with new song and new laughter. But this pleasant legend did not much affect their daily business” Discuss the history of Lake-town and the beliefs of its inhabitants. What does it mean that they do not take their legends seriously?
3. Compare the attitudes of the men of Lake-town, the Master, and the Elvenking to Thorin’s mission. Who is reasonable? Who is silly? Then consider Bilbo’s attitude. Keeping in mind that elves are renowned for wisdom, how wise is Bilbo?
CHAPTER 11
1. In what way does Bilbo show that he has more spirit left than the dwarves? Why does he?
CHAPTER 12
1. Who is the real leader of the expedition?
2. What is the most important thing Bilbo learns from Smaug?
3. “Some [dwarves] are decent enough people like Thorin and Company, if you don’t expect too much”. What can Bilbo expect from the dwarves?
4. “Going on from there was the bravest thing he ever did...he fought the real battle in the tunnel alone, before he ever saw the vast danger that lay in wait”. According to this passage, what is true courage? What abilities and character traits does Bilbo have? How do his earlier adventures prepare him for his confrontation with Smaug?
5. Describe the characteristics of dragons. Begin with greedy, wily, hostile, and riddle loving, and go on to vengeful, treacherous, fond of flattery, and breeders of distrust and dissension. What is the dragon-spell? Why are dwarves so susceptible to it? In this novel the traditional motif of the cursed dragon-hoard is changed to the idea that so much treasure brings out the evil and foolish side of dwarves--and even elves and men. In this and the following chapters, trace the changing effects of the treasure on the dwarves and on Bilbo.
6. Explain the names that Bilbo gives himself when speaking with Smaug: “I come from under the hill…I am the clue finder, the web-cutter, the stinging fly. I was chosen for the lucky number”.
CHAPTER 13
1. “Anyway the only way out is down”. What earlier statement by Bilbo does this echo? When does Bilbo’s courage assert itself most?
2. Why does Bilbo keep the Arkenstone? Does he have a right to it?
CHAPTER 14
1. Describe Bard and the Master. Who speaks more convincingly? What does their appearance suggest about them? Explain Bard’s pessimism. Who has more courage? Who has more leadership? Do you believe that some people are natural leaders? Can this ability be inherited?
2. Why does the Elvenking set out from his halls? Why does he go to Esgaroth? What does this tell you about the value he places on treasure?
CHAPTER 15
1. From the very beginning, Bilbo has assumed that the climax of the adventure would be the recovery of the treasure. Then he realizes that Smaug must also be dealt with. Now he finds that even Smaug’s death does not end the adventure. Re-examine your earlier definitions of what an adventure is.
2. Is gold worth fighting for? Why won’t Thorin deal with Bard and Elvenking? Evaluate Bard’s three topics for discussion and Thorin’s answer; note Thorin’s complete lack of pity for the Lake-men’s distress.
3. Discuss the difference between the content, rhythms, and music of dwarf-songs and elf-songs.
CHAPTER 16
1. Just as the moment in the tunnel is Bilbo’s bravest, giving up the Arkenstone is his noblest. Why does he do it? Would any other character in the story be capable of this? Why does he return to the Mountain?
CHAPTER 17
1. Name the armies in the Battle of Five Armies. Why is each group participating in this battle?
2. Where does Bilbo take his final stand? Why?
3. Trace Thorin’s moral degeneration through the last several chapters. Contrast his current attitude with the Elvenking’s statement “Long will I tarry, ere I begin this war for gold.”
4. Which would be a greater evil--the killing of the armies of men, elves, and dwarves by the goblins, or a war between men, elves, and dwarves? Why?
CHAPTER 18
1. Who turned the tide of the battle?
2. “There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West. Some courage ...and some wisdom, blended in measure. If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world”. Discuss Bilbo’s character now that his adventure is completed. Why does he refuse the treasure? Why is he weary of his adventure?
3. Examine the final views we get of Thorin on his deathbed and in his tomb. Is his quest fulfilled? Why is his death necessary? What lesson does he learn? Does he deserve our respect or admiration?
4. Examine in detail the various demands and offers made by Bard and the dwarves and the elves. How does the final solution match what each party wants and deserves? What is the difference between Dain’s gift and Thorin’s promises?
CHAPTER 19
1. Why do they walk at the end of their journey?
2. What changes does Balin notice in Bilbo?
3. What happened to the old Master of Lake-town?
4. Look at the elves’ song. Describe the character and values of elves.
5. “He gained-well, you will see whether he gained anything in the end” “‘My dear Bilbo!’ [Gandalf] said ‘Something is the matter with you! You are not the hobbit that you were’”. What does Bilbo gain from his adventure? Don’t forget to include the ability and desire to make poetry. What is the difference in the way his home is dear to him now?
6. “‘You don’t really suppose, do you, that all your adventures and escapes were managed by mere luck, just for your sole benefit’?” Then what does manage them?
7. Why is Bilbo pleased that he is “only quite a little fellow in a wide world after all!”?
CHAPTER 1
1. What is Gandalf’s reputation?
2. How did the dwarves lose their treasure and kingdom?
3. What does the word hobbit make you think of? The possibilities include rabbit, hobby, Babbit, habit and hob. The word is probably best seen as a blend of rabbit and hob, an obsolete British word meaning “a rustic, peasant” or “sprite, elf.” How does Bilbo resemble a rabbit in this chapter? When you finish the novel, ask yourself if he still reminds you of one.
4. What is an adventure? Is it something that happens, or is it the way we react to what happens? Can we live without adventures? Is there any “magic” in this novel? Return to these questions as the novel progresses.
5. Explain all the meanings of “good morning”.
6. What about adventures awakens Bilbo’s “Tookish” side? What causes his “Baggins” side to reemerge? Is the Baggins side timid or practical? Is the Tookish side heroic, curious or proud?
7. Even this early in the novel, we can see some of the characteristics of dwarves. What are they?
8. What are dragons like? As you read on, think about the differences and similarities between dwarves and dragons.
CHAPTER 2
1. Why is it important that Gandalf is not present when the expedition meets the trolls?
2. The trolls are evil, bestial, and disgusting. But do they seem mostly human or nonhuman?
3. Is strength or intelligence more valuable so far in this novel? Why?
CHAPTER 3
1. What is the difference between the way Bilbo and the dwarves react to Rivendell? How does Elrond feel about the expedition, and what does he say about the dwarves’ love of gold and the wickedness of dragons? What values are important to the elves?
2. Who is Elrond? What is the effect of giving a detailed history of a minor character?
CHAPTER 4
1. What does Tolkien tell us about goblins? Discuss what you think goblins look like, and what in the novel gives you that idea.
2. “It is not unlikely that they goblins invented some of the machines that have since troubled the world, especially the ingenious devices for killing large numbers of people at once.” Can you take this statement seriously? Why do you think fantasy is often anti-technological? What does it emphasize instead?
CHAPTER 5
1. Why is it good that Bilbo lost his matches?
2. How does Gollum guess that Bilbo has his ring?
3. How are Bilbo and Gollum alike? HINT: Their motives for the riddle-game, their ability to guess each other’s riddles; their abilities underground; their living in holes. Can you call Gollum evil? HINT: Discuss the concept that Gollum is the negative side of Bilbo, with which he must come to terms before he can achieve his identity.
4. What skills does Bilbo show in dealing with Gollum?
5. “No great leap for a man, but a leap in the dark.” Discuss this quotation with respect to Bilbo’s decision not to kill Gollum, and his newfound courage.
CHAPTER 6
1. Why does the Lord of the Eagles notice the expedition?
2. Would Bilbo try to rescue the dwarves if they were still inside the Mountains? Would they try to rescue him? Why?
3. Why doesn’t Bilbo tell the dwarves about his ring? Do you consider this lying? Why?
4. What does it mean for our opinion of Bilbo’s courage and prowess that Gandalf, his mentor, must be rescued by the Eagles?
CHAPTER 7
1. What is a skin-changer?
2. What is the most important advice that Beorn and Gandalf give about Mirkwood? Why?
3. Compare the expedition’s arrival at Beorn’s house with the Unexpected Party of Chapter 1. Note that now Bilbo is in on the plot. While both hosts have to be cajoled, it is for very different reasons. What are they?
4. Discuss Beorn’s character. What are his virtues? Why is he suspicious of strangers? What about him seems vicious? In what ways is he gentle? How does Bilbo come to understand him? Is there a problem with being a grim man in a grim land?
5. Why is it necessary to the story that Gandalf leave the expedition?
CHAPTER 8
1. When Bilbo climbs the tree, why doesn’t he see an end to the forest?
2. What are the unattractive features of Mirkwood? Do you think the forest is evil? What about the enchanted stream?
3. After Gandalf leaves who become the leaders of the expedition?
4. What makes the expedition lose hope? Why is their despair unjustified?
5. What heroic acts does Bilbo perform? Don’t forget his naming of his sword.
6. Why does Bilbo tell the dwarves about his magic ring? What does his reluctance to do so tell us? What do you think he learns from this?
7. Discuss the ancient feud between dwarves and elves. Whose fault is it? If neither side is in the right, how can you tell the difference between good and evil?
CHAPTER 9
1. Why does the Elvenking imprison the dwarves? Why won’t Thorin tell the Elvenking what his mission is? Define pride and greed.
2. Is Bilbo a burglar now? How does he feel about stealing?
3. The escape plan is completely Bilbo’s. How good is it? How much does it depend on luck? Does he deserve this luck?
CHAPTER 10
1. Why does the master welcome the expedition?
2. “Some sang too that Thror and Thrain would come back one day and gold would flow in rivers through mountain gates, and all that land would be filled with new song and new laughter. But this pleasant legend did not much affect their daily business” Discuss the history of Lake-town and the beliefs of its inhabitants. What does it mean that they do not take their legends seriously?
3. Compare the attitudes of the men of Lake-town, the Master, and the Elvenking to Thorin’s mission. Who is reasonable? Who is silly? Then consider Bilbo’s attitude. Keeping in mind that elves are renowned for wisdom, how wise is Bilbo?
CHAPTER 11
1. In what way does Bilbo show that he has more spirit left than the dwarves? Why does he?
CHAPTER 12
1. Who is the real leader of the expedition?
2. What is the most important thing Bilbo learns from Smaug?
3. “Some [dwarves] are decent enough people like Thorin and Company, if you don’t expect too much”. What can Bilbo expect from the dwarves?
4. “Going on from there was the bravest thing he ever did...he fought the real battle in the tunnel alone, before he ever saw the vast danger that lay in wait”. According to this passage, what is true courage? What abilities and character traits does Bilbo have? How do his earlier adventures prepare him for his confrontation with Smaug?
5. Describe the characteristics of dragons. Begin with greedy, wily, hostile, and riddle loving, and go on to vengeful, treacherous, fond of flattery, and breeders of distrust and dissension. What is the dragon-spell? Why are dwarves so susceptible to it? In this novel the traditional motif of the cursed dragon-hoard is changed to the idea that so much treasure brings out the evil and foolish side of dwarves--and even elves and men. In this and the following chapters, trace the changing effects of the treasure on the dwarves and on Bilbo.
6. Explain the names that Bilbo gives himself when speaking with Smaug: “I come from under the hill…I am the clue finder, the web-cutter, the stinging fly. I was chosen for the lucky number”.
CHAPTER 13
1. “Anyway the only way out is down”. What earlier statement by Bilbo does this echo? When does Bilbo’s courage assert itself most?
2. Why does Bilbo keep the Arkenstone? Does he have a right to it?
CHAPTER 14
1. Describe Bard and the Master. Who speaks more convincingly? What does their appearance suggest about them? Explain Bard’s pessimism. Who has more courage? Who has more leadership? Do you believe that some people are natural leaders? Can this ability be inherited?
2. Why does the Elvenking set out from his halls? Why does he go to Esgaroth? What does this tell you about the value he places on treasure?
CHAPTER 15
1. From the very beginning, Bilbo has assumed that the climax of the adventure would be the recovery of the treasure. Then he realizes that Smaug must also be dealt with. Now he finds that even Smaug’s death does not end the adventure. Re-examine your earlier definitions of what an adventure is.
2. Is gold worth fighting for? Why won’t Thorin deal with Bard and Elvenking? Evaluate Bard’s three topics for discussion and Thorin’s answer; note Thorin’s complete lack of pity for the Lake-men’s distress.
3. Discuss the difference between the content, rhythms, and music of dwarf-songs and elf-songs.
CHAPTER 16
1. Just as the moment in the tunnel is Bilbo’s bravest, giving up the Arkenstone is his noblest. Why does he do it? Would any other character in the story be capable of this? Why does he return to the Mountain?
CHAPTER 17
1. Name the armies in the Battle of Five Armies. Why is each group participating in this battle?
2. Where does Bilbo take his final stand? Why?
3. Trace Thorin’s moral degeneration through the last several chapters. Contrast his current attitude with the Elvenking’s statement “Long will I tarry, ere I begin this war for gold.”
4. Which would be a greater evil--the killing of the armies of men, elves, and dwarves by the goblins, or a war between men, elves, and dwarves? Why?
CHAPTER 18
1. Who turned the tide of the battle?
2. “There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West. Some courage ...and some wisdom, blended in measure. If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world”. Discuss Bilbo’s character now that his adventure is completed. Why does he refuse the treasure? Why is he weary of his adventure?
3. Examine the final views we get of Thorin on his deathbed and in his tomb. Is his quest fulfilled? Why is his death necessary? What lesson does he learn? Does he deserve our respect or admiration?
4. Examine in detail the various demands and offers made by Bard and the dwarves and the elves. How does the final solution match what each party wants and deserves? What is the difference between Dain’s gift and Thorin’s promises?
CHAPTER 19
1. Why do they walk at the end of their journey?
2. What changes does Balin notice in Bilbo?
3. What happened to the old Master of Lake-town?
4. Look at the elves’ song. Describe the character and values of elves.
5. “He gained-well, you will see whether he gained anything in the end” “‘My dear Bilbo!’ [Gandalf] said ‘Something is the matter with you! You are not the hobbit that you were’”. What does Bilbo gain from his adventure? Don’t forget to include the ability and desire to make poetry. What is the difference in the way his home is dear to him now?
6. “‘You don’t really suppose, do you, that all your adventures and escapes were managed by mere luck, just for your sole benefit’?” Then what does manage them?
7. Why is Bilbo pleased that he is “only quite a little fellow in a wide world after all!”?