MODULE 1 The Hobbit

Give three examples from these chapters which show that The Hobbit belongs to the fantasy genre. Reference specific incidents from the text as well as specific elements of the fantasy genre.

The Beater presenting itself when it was truly needed to protect the dwarves and Bilbo from the goblins and killing the Great Goblin, allowing Bilbo and the dwarves time to flee. The magical properties of the moon letters- being created by dwarves, only visible when looked at with the moonlight behind them. The Trolls were turned to stone because of the sunlight.

What constantly looms in the background of the river and Laketown?

The Lonely Mountain

At the very beginning of this chapter, what does Bilbo find?

a ring

What word most infuriates the spiders?

attercop

Why does Beorn's attitude change toward the dwarves?

because he confirmed their story

The eagles only helped the group of travelers because they will help anyone who opposes the goblins.

false

The mountain passes are straight, clear, and scenic.

false

Thorin is given a place of honor at the king's table.

false

List at least three elements, specifically from this chapter, that are common to the fantasy genre.

fighting mythical beings (goblins) Gandalf's use of magic Swords

In chapter 2 of The Hobbit, what do the adventurers take from the horde of the trolls?

food and weapons

In chapter 4 of The Hobbit, what enemy captures the adventurers when they attempt to take shelter in a cave from the storm?

goblins

Running is a skill that plays a role in this chapter. Which characters run the fastest?

goblins

Which word best describes Bilbo's exit on his adventure?

hurried

How does Bilbo sneak the dwarves out?

in barrels

Which word best describes Gandalf?

mysterious

List three things about Gollum's appearance and/or personality. Be sure they are from the text, not from images you have seen of Gollum.

pale eyes a slimy creature dark as darkness

What does Bilbo tell Smaug they came for besides the gold?

revenge

What do Gollum and Bilbo use to bide time to better understand each other?

riddles

Give three examples from these chapters which show that The Hobbit belongs to the fantasy genre. Reference specific incidents from the text as well as specific elements of the fantasy genre.

The ring is something that belongs in the fantasy genre because of its magical ability to turn the wearer invisible (in the proper conditions). Secondly, the enchanted stream is a great example of something from the fantasy genre because of its ability to put anyone who comes in contact with it to send them into an enchanted sleep that does wear off as it did with Bombur. Lastly, a person being able to transform themselves into various animals, like a bear, such as Beorn is another element of the fantasy genre.

What is the fate of Bert, Tom, and William?

The sunlight turns them to stone.

What do "escaping goblins to be caught by wolves" and "out of the frying pan into the fire" mean?

Uncomfortable situations are going from bad to worse.

In Chapter 6 of The Hobbit, what phrase is used to describe getting out of bad circumstances only to get into worse circumstances?

"Out of the frying pan and into the fire"

Choose a biblical lesson that could be learned from something in this chapter. Include an incident from this chapter, a biblical principle, and a Bible verse to support it.

A biblical lesson from this chapter is to heed the warnings of people we trust or who are wise. James 1:12 says, "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him." The biblical principle found here is that we are given trials that we need to do our best to overcome. God will give us direction, but we must listen to it and apply it where it is needed.

When Smaug asks for Bilbo's name, Bilbo responds with the following: "'You may indeed! I come from under the hill, and under hills and over the hills my paths led. And through the air, I am he that walks unseen.' 'So I can well believe,' said Smaug, 'but that is hardly our usual name.' 'I am the clue-finder, the web-cutter, the stinging fly. I was chosen for the lucky number.' 'Lovely titles!' sneered the dragon. 'But lucky numbers don't always come off.' 'I am he that buries his friends alive and drowns them and draws them alive again from the water. I came from the end of a bag, but no bag went over me.' 'These don't sound so creditable,' scoffed Smaug. 'I am the friend of bears and the guest of eagles. I am Ringwinner and Luckwearer; and I am Barrel-rider,' went on Bilbo beginning to be pleased with his riddling." Choose three riddles that Bilbo uses to name himself for Smaug and demonstrate how they are true from the story.

'I come from under the hill, and under hills and over the hills my paths led. And through the air, I am he that walks unseen.' This describes that Bilbo is a hobbit, living under a hill, and that he has travelled long distances to be where he is. Also, he mentions the ring that allows him to turn invisible. 'I am the clue-finder, the web-cutter, the stinging fly. I was chosen for the lucky number.' Bilbo is very clever, freed himself and the dwarves from the spiders' webs, and was chosen for his group because they had an unlucky number- 13- and needed another person. 'I am he that buries his friends alive and drowns them and draws them alive again from the water. I came from the end of a bag, but no bag went over me.' Bilbo put his friends into barrels, threw them into the water, and pulled them back out once they reached their destination and it was safe.

Which of the following is the best description of "cram"?

A flavorless, chewy biscuit

Gandalf suggests that the group must absolutely stay on the path. What Christian principles can be drawn from this advice? Give a biblical reference and explain your analogy.

As Christians, we are constantly fighting the darkness of sin to stay on the path God has set for us. Proverbs 3:6 says, "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Everyone's path is different because God created us uniquely. This verse says "paths" and not "path", because each person will have multiple paths that they will take in life, but that does not mean that they have lost their footing.

Describe the relationship between Bilbo and the dwarves while searching for the hidden door and becoming more discouraged when unable to open it.

As they were losing hope of getting through the door, Bilbo again begins longing for his home and previously simple life. The relationships become strained due to frustration, but the dwarves are determined to open the door.

Answer in a complete and correctly-formatted paragraph. Explain the transformation Tolkien is talking about in this description of Bilbo. "Already he was a very different hobbit from the one that had run out without a pocket-handkerchief from Bag-End long ago."

At the beginning of the story, when Bilbo was upset that he had left home without a pocket-handkerchief, Bilbo was very skittish and didn't know nor want to discover his full potential. However, at this point in the story, Bilbo has begun realizing how strong he is and what he is capable of.

Why does Gandalf take offense to Bilbo saying "Good Morning" to him?

Because it was Bilbo's way of trying to get rid of Gandalf`

In chapter 9 of The Hobbit, who comes up with the plan to escape the Wood-elves' kingdom?

Bilbo

Who seems to be the only one unhappy about continuing the journey?

Bilbo

Describe what Bilbo sees when he climbs to the top of the tree.

Bilbo sees hundreds of butterflies that are dark, velvety black. He was unable to see an end to the trees in any direction.

What was the fault in Bilbo's plan?

Bilbo wasn't in a barrel

Why doesn't Gandalf get captured by the goblins?

Bilbo's cry gave him time to escape.

Name two "peaks" (exciting episodes) of Rising Action in the story so far.

Bilbo's escape from Gollum and the goblins The dwarves, Bilbo, and Gandalf being run up trees to escape the wolves

What is the only thing Bilbo leaves behind in his escape from the goblins?

Brass buttons

At the beginning of the chapter, how does Bilbo enhance his reputation with the elves and even with Gandalf?

By effectively sneaking up on them

Which of the following would classify the genre of The Hobbit?

Children's Fantasy Literature

Describe Dale.

Dale was once green, but now is barren and blackened because of the dragon.

How do dwarves feel about elves?

Dwarves think elves are annoying.

As Gandalf bids the elves goodnight, he makes this statement: "Valleys have ears, and some elves have over merry tongues. Good night!"

Enemies finding out about their travels

What do Thorin and the rest of the dwarves expect Bilbo to do that they will not do themselves?

Explore the secret passage

From the very first chapter of this novel, it is clear it belongs to the genre of fantasy literature. List three specific elements that make it fantasy literature.

Fantasy beings: hobbits and dwarves Magic the quest they are planning

The ring gives the power of invisibility. Only in what circumstances can the wearer be seen?

Full sunlight

What is Glamdrig, what is its reputation, and how does it save the dwarves and Bilbo?

Glamdrig is a sword, also known as Beater. This sword saves the dwarves and Bilbo when it appears and runs through the Great Goblin, which kills him and allows the dwarves and Bilbo to escape the cave.

Which of the following is NOT something we learn about Smaug from this chapter?

He cannot smell a dwarf.

What happens to Bombur?

He falls into the enchanted stream.

Describe the Master's reason for allowing Thorin and the rest of the group to stay in Laketown.

He gave in to what the people of Laketown wanted.

In chapter 1 of The Hobbit, how does Bilbo feel about Gandalf's quest?

He has no desire to leave his comfort zone.

List three of the things that the dwarves and Bilbo are told about Beorn before they get to his house.

He is a skin changer He made the steps on the great rock He has cattle and horses that work for him and talk to him

What is Bombur's excuse for not going up the steep, narrow path?

He is too fat.

How does Bilbo escape Gollum?

He jumps over Gollum. He uses the secret passage. He uses the ring.

Running out of food

He wants to be like them.

When the dwarves begin to tell their tales and Beorn seems disinterested, what makes the reader realize that Beorn and the travelers have different values?

His house contains no precious metals.

Which characters run the slowest?

Hobbits

According to the text, how do hobbits and humans coexist?

Hobbits hide from ignorant humans.

This chapter starts out with the dwarves complaining about the circumstances they are in; however, Bilbo makes an interesting statement. He says, "While there's life there's hope!" Do you agree with Bilbo? Why or why not?

I agree with Bilbo. Life is constantly changing, and with that circumstances too. Things can always get better for you as long as you are there to see it, so yes, while there's life there's hope.

How do you feel about the characters so far (Bilbo, Gandalf, the dwarves)? Do you like them or dislike them? Why?

I really like Bilbo so far, I've never read about a protagonist who was as befuddled as him, nor about one who is so incredibly reluctant for adventure. I'm interested to read about his character development and how he may grow. The dwarves are interesting and almost remind me of the goblins in Harry Potter, but not entirely. Right now they seem to be one big characterization and I'd like to get to know them individually, but overall I like them. Gandalf reminds me of Dumbledore, the great puppet-master, so I don't know whether I like or dislike him right now- I feel fairly neutral about him.

Dramatic Irony is when the reader knows something about what is going on in the story that the characters in the story do not know. Near the beginning of this chapter, Thorin is looking for the arkenstone. We know that Bilbo already has it. What do you think will happen as a result of this? Explain your answer.

I think Thorin will try to take it from Bilbo, perhaps ending in a big fight. He seems to be very possessive of things that he is looking for/what he believes belong to him.

In chapter 3 of The Hobbit, what does Elrond understand about the map that Thorin has?

It requires special conditions for viewing.

When the unexpected guests arrive, what is Bilbo most concerned about?

Running out of food

How do the travelers feel after their time with the elves?

Refreshed

What secret does Bilbo share with the dwarves, although he doesn't really want to?

That he has the ring

What does Bilbo say that he would choose over all the other treasure if it were left up to him?

The Arkenstone

Gandalf recommends Bilbo for the burglar job; how do the dwarves feel about this? Provide concrete support from the text.

The dwarves are very skeptical of Bilbo, believing him unfit for their perilous adventure. This is mostly due to the shriek Bilbo lets out upon hearing what they are planning on doing, as well as worrying about never making it back home.

In what ways do the eagles help the dwarves, Bilbo, and Gandalf?

The eagles provide a secure place to sleep. The eagles agree to carry them farther along on their journey. The eagles provide them with food. The eagles rescue them from the wolves and goblins.

Where do the dwarves and Bilbo finally come out of the mountain?

The front gate

Why, despite getting out of the mountains, does the group have to hurry and keep traveling?

The goblins will come hunting them at night.

What fortunate luck does Bilbo have that makes it possible for him to get the guard's keys?

The guard gets drunk and falls asleep.

What does Thorin suggest could be one reason the dwarves were taken over by Smaug?

The guards were too comfortable.

Despite causing problems with the trolls, Bilbo does help the dwarves and even Gandalf with what?

The key to the trolls' house

Who does Smaug take revenge on for the dwarves and hobbit invading his space?

The men of Lake-town

Which of the following was NOT involved in unlocking the door?

The rain A pony

Why is Gandalf afraid of the wolves?

The wolves are planning to help the goblin raid and think that the group is spying for the enemy.

What primarily defines the Baggins family?

Their predictability

When the dwarves really see the treasure for the first time, how does it affect them?

They become fierce and bold.

Why isn't anyone really guarding Laketown?

They don't believe there is a need.

Despite the warning from Gandalf and Beorn, what does the group do as a result of being so hungry?

They leave the path.

What reality does Bilbo point out while the dwarves are celebrating and gathering treasure?

They need to escape.

Which of the following is NOT true about moon-letters?

They were invented by the elves.

Why is the Master glad to see Thorin and the rest of the group go?

They were too expensive to keep.

Why won't any of the men of Laketown go with the dwarves?

They're afraid of being that close to the mountain.

"They were at the end of their journey, but as far as ever, it seemed, from the end of their quest." This quote comes from this chapter. What does it mean? What's the difference between their journey and their quest?

This quote means that although they are at the end of their journey to the dragon's lair, they are not at the end of their quest because they have not accomplished their tasks.

What or who does Bilbo find in "a specially deep dark place" in the Wood-elves' kingdom?

Thorin

Which character from The Hobbit would be described as the leader?

Thorin

What is Bilbo's first task as a burglar?

To find out what the light in the distance is

When Bilbo wins the game, what is Gollum's plan?

To use the ring to be invisible and kill Bilbo

Elrond gives the travelers important information about everything except what?

When Durin's Day is

Describe William, Bert, and Tom.

William, Bert, and Tom are trolls who are sitting around a fire, roasting mutton. They are very large, so Bilbo was hesitant to interact with them, let alone steal from them. The three trolls were volatile, not very intelligent, and did not like dwarves; they attacked the dwarves as they arrived, covering them in sacks and wondering how best to eat them.

If you were Bilbo, would you have kept the ring? Why or why not?

Yes, I probably would have. If I was in a life-threatening situation with a bad odds, I would use whatever was at my disposal to ensure my freedom and safety, which in this case is a ring that turns you invisible in most conditions.

In chapter 1 and 2 of The Hobbit, what will Bilbo's role in the adventure be?

a burglar

What object puts Thorin in big trouble with the goblins?

the Biter

What saves Bilbo from being captured by the elves?

the ring

In chapter 9 of The Hobbit, what events create the possibility for Bilbo to get the dwarves out of the Wood-elf kingdom?

there are barrels to be discarded that night the guard falls asleep most of the elves are at a feast

In chapter 2 of The Hobbit, what arch nemesis of dwarves catches the group?

trolls

How does Gandalf introduce the travelers to Beorn?

two at a time

Which of the following words does NOT describe the forest?

uninhabited

List two things Beorn tells the group about navigating Mirkwood.

water and food aren't easy to find there there is a stream there that he believes is enchanted