Hobbit chapters 11-19

What plan does Bilbo carry out? What is the purpose of doing this? How is it his most heroic action?

-Bilbo sneaks down to the armies encamped below and hands over the Arkenstone. -Bilbo wants peace. He knows the men and elves can use this to bargain with Thorin in order to get a share of the treasure. -Bilbo risks his life and his friendship with the dwarves in this brave and extremely self-less act.

In this chapter, what two groups unexpectedly join the battle on the side of the elves, men , and Dain's dwarves?

-Eagles -Thorin and the other 12 dwarves. (Thorin's bravery and leadership on the battlefield were magnificent.)

Give three reasons to explain why the Battle of Five Armies is a particularly fine final adventure to the novel?

-Epic battle of good versus evil. -Brings back most creatures mentioned in the novel. -Allows Thorin the chance to redeem himself in the only way he can.

Describe Bilbo's farewell to the dwarves. What is said? What is the atmosphere?

-Farewells and goodbyes are said. Bilbo says one last goodbye to Thorin, Fili and Kili. And both Balin and Bilbo end by inviting the opposite parties to visit. -The atmosphere is emotional. Words stuck in the dwarves' throats.

Give two explanations for Bilbo's much safer journey back through the Wild than the original journey/?

-Gandalf and Beorn are with him. -Instead of going through Mirkwood, they went around its Northern border.

Compared to the flustered timidity that he showed earlier, in what ways does Bilbo now show a newfound maturity and strength of character? How does this compare to the dwarves?

-He immediately takes the lead. Gives advice to the dwarves along the way and remains calm...Becomes bold after falling into the lair. -Dwarves cannot control their nervousness and make a deal of noise, become alarmed when Bilbo falls down steps, and refuse to enter the lair.

Who does Thorin speak to last, and what does Thorin admit in his last words? Why is it important to include this in the novel?

-In his last words, Thorin tells Bilbo that ht world would be a better place if more were like Bilbo and valued happiness, home, and song over hoarded gold. -1) The reader knows this is true and hearing it from this important character helps to back up our own beliefs. 2) We have a need for Thorin to leave the world as Bilbo's friend.

How does the treasure affect the dwarves? Bilbo?

-It "had rekindled all the fire of their dwarvish hearts; and when the heart of a dwarf...is awakened by gold, he grows suddenly bold and he may become fierce." -Bilbo was not bewitched and suggests they leave.

Why does Tolkien postpone the news of Smaug's death until chapter 14? What literary technique is used to accomplish the telling of Smaug's death? **Literary Technique**

-It creates suspense as the dwarves and Bilbo are walking in Smaug's lair. -a flashback

Why is the dwarf refusal to venture down the secret passage at the beginning of this chapter no surprise to the reader? What comment about dwarf character does Tolkien make?

-It is no surprise because the dwarves have been unheroic on this adventure -"Dwaves are not heroes, but calculating folk with a great idea of the value of money...Some are decent if you don't expect too much of them."

What time of year does Bilbo return home? Why is this fitting for the story?

-June and summer -It's been one complete year - time to end.

Which dwarves have died? Who is dying?

-Kili and Fili (die defending Thorin) -Thorin

What two strengths in Bilbo's character are demonstrated by his decision to return to the dwarves after giving up the Arkenstone?

-Loyalty -Self-confidence

For what two reasons is Roac pessimistic, despite the news that Dain and an army of five hundred dwarves is close to Dale?

-Roac doesn't believe the men and elves will allow Dain and his troops to pass without a fight. -Winter is fast approaching, and they are almost out of supplies.

What three functions does the raven Roac serve in the plot of the story?

-Roac informs the dwarves and Bilbo of Smaug's death. -Roac informs the dwarves and Bilbo of the armies marching to Lonely Mountain. -Roac is used as a messenger between Thorin and his cousin, Dain.

How does Smaug react when he discovers the theft of the cup? How do the adventurers escape him?

-Smaug flies out of the mountain in a rage to catch and kill the thief. -They escape by running into the secret passage.

What has Smaug guessed about Bilbo's mission? What still puzzles the dragon?

-Smaug has guessed that the dwarves have hired Bilbo to steal their treasure. He knows dwarves aren't brave enough. -Smaug is puzzled by what Bilbo is. He does not recognize Bilbo's smell. (hobbit smell)

What does Bilbo find as he investigates the treasure hoard alone? What does he do with this object, and how does he justify his actions?

-The Arkenstone, which is so big that it is too big for Bilbo's hands -Bilbo shoves it into his deepest pocket. He justifies this by saying the dwarves did say he could pick and choose his share of the treasure.

What stops the battle between Dain's dwarves and the force of men and elves? Since they join forces to fight together, what comment can be made about their original reasons for fighting one another?

-The arrival of the Goblins and Wargs stops the battle between Dain's dwarves, the men, and the elves. -The original reasons of the dwarves, men, and elves for fighting each other are not important. They were going to fight over materialistic things (treasure). Now they must fight together against evil.

Many things cause the company's spirits to droop at the beginning of Chapter 11. What are these things?

-The destroyed landscape and ruins of Dale are depressing. -Dark birds follow them. -Winter is coming on, and they can't find the secret door.

Where do they decide to make camp? Why here and not in their halls in the mountain?

-They make camp in an old look-out tower on the southwestern spur of the mountain. It is called Ravenhill. -They could not stay in the halls because they did not know when Smaug would return.

What threat does Thorin make regarding the Arkenstone? Why?

-Thorin says he will avenge himself on whoever took it. -He says its value to him is beyond price.

What news does Balin bring of the land of the Mountain, lake-town, the Master, and Dale?

-mountain tilled, rich, birds, blossoms, fruit, feasting -Laketown was refounded, more prosperous, much wealth, new Master, great friendship with the dwarves and elves -old Master took gold for himself, and died of starvation in the Waste -Bard rebuilt Dale, and people came from all directions to repopulate it.

What are Bard's arguments for claiming a share of the treasure?

Bard has 3 arguments: he killed Smaug, so he should be rewarded; some of the treasure belongs to the people of Dale, and they deserve to get it back; finally, they should repay and help the people of Lake-Town, who had helped them.

What noble gestures do Bard and the Elvinking make at Thorin's burial?

Bard places the Arkenstone on Thorin's tomb and the Elvenking places Orcrist, the elvish sword taken from Thorin when the Wood-elves had captured him, on the tomb also.

What turned the tide decisively in favor of the elves, men, and dwarves in the Battle of the Five Armies?

Beorn's surprise appearance changed the outcome.

When Bilbo goes down that tunnel for the first time, Tolkien describes his final steps as "the bravest thing he ever did." Explain why.

Bilbo faces the fear of the unknown; and even though he doesn't know what to expect from Smaug, Bilbo goes ahead anyway. This ia a brave act.

Why does Bilbo have no role in the battle?

Bilbo has learned to use his wits, has become courageous, has become a leader, has grown great self-confidence, and has, in fact, even been a hero in this story. However, he is a hobbit and hobbits have no roles in epic battles.

How does Bilbo react when he sees the treasure?

Bilbo is overwhelmed by the sight of the treasure and a dwarf-like love for riches comes over him. He even forgets the dragon for a second.

What plan does Bilbo propose after Smaug's attack?

Bilbo suggests they only go out during the day. He then volunteers to go back and discover if Smaug has a weakness.

What finally induces the dwarves to step into Smaug's den?

Bilbo trips and his light goes out. He needs their help and calls for them. Balin urges them to go out to help Bilbo.

What reputation does Bilbo find he has upon his return?

Bilbo's reputation was lost. He was no longer quite respectable.

During his second visit, what "weapons" does Bilbo use in his conversation with Smaug?

Bilbo's weapons are words and a clever knowledge of dragons. For example, he flatters Smaug, is very polite, and answers Smaug with riddles, which dragons like.

What creatures do you meet in chapter 17?

Dain and Bolg

How does Dain, the new dwarf kind dispose of the treasure?

Dane gave a fourteenth share to Bard of all the gold and silver, including the emeralds of Girion. Bard gave the emeralds of Girion to the Elvenking, much gold to the master of Lake-town, and rewarded his followers and friends freely. Bilbo only chose a small chest of silver and a small chest of gold.

Why would Bard make a better leader?

During Smaug's attack, Bard held his ground until his last arrow to save the town. On the shore, he organizes the people to make shelters and gather food. He sends messengers to the Wood- elves for help.

How does the Master further prove to be a poor leader in this chapter?

During Smaug's attack, the Master thinks only of saving himself. Later, on the shore, when everyone needs shelter and food, the Master again thinks only of himself and orders other to bring him food and make him shelter.

What does Bilbo learn about Gandalf's activities as they stop at Elrond's again?

Gandalf had been to a great council of White Wizards, and together they had driven the Necromancer out of Mirkwood.

How does Gandalf respond when Biblo expresses amazement that the old prophecies have come true?

Gandalf tells Bilbo not to be so amazed, and not to think that all that good fortune that happened to him on that adventure was just luck. Gandalf is implying that destiny had a role in everything that took place.

What might Gandalf's return signify?

Gandalf's return signifies that events are going to escalate and get out of hand, so they will need him. Bilbo will not be able to handle what is to come.

Some years after his return, what project does Bilbo plan to undertake?

He is writing his memoirs "There and Back Again, A Hobbit's Holiday"

Why does Bilbo suggest they all go into the dragon's lair?

He says it is the only way out and they don't know if the dragon is there. "While there's life, there's hope!" "Third time pays for all."

What disturbance does Bilbo find at home?

His relatives, the Sackville-Bagginses, think he is dead and have hired a law firm to auction off all of his belongings. He has to buy most of his things back. (His cousins were planning on moving in.)

What is the condition of the dwarves' old stronghold? (Describe the passage they take to the front gate.)

It is ruined. Wood is charred and rotting. Bones and skulls all over the floors with broken bowls, etc. and dust.

What creature do we meet in capture 15?

Roac

what creature do we meet in chapter 12?

Smaug

What disaster occurs at the end of this chapter?

Smaug goes looking for Bilbo; and just as they all get to the tunnel, he smashes the side of the mountain causing the way out to be blocked.

What literary devices are used by Smaug to describe himself? Give some examples.

Smaug uses similes and metaphors to describe himself.

After they do finally find the secret door, what further discouragement do the adventures face?

They can't get the door to open. They can't break it down with their tools.

How do the other Dwarves feel about Bilbo's banishment?

They felt sorry to see Bilbo go (but don't speak up)

What additional treasure does Bilbo accrue on the way home?

They found the gold of the trolls they had buried and Gandalf convinces Bilbo that he may need it. (*Foreshadowing*)

How do the elves react to the news of Lake-town's destruction?

They immediately sent supplies down the river, and plan to send more help on foot.

How does Tolkien build up suspence as Bilbo is walking down the passage?

Tolkien slowly reveals the dragon to us: a glow turns into a red light as he travels down the tunnel, the air gets warmer and warmer, and gurgling sound gets louder and louder

How is it they are able to get the door open?

When Bilbo sees a thrush cracking snails on a grey rock, he recalls the moonletter message on the map. In the last light of the setting sun, the keyhole is revealed and Thorin unlocks the door.

who do we meet in chapter 14?

bard

What do we meet in chapter 13?

the Arkenstone

what do we meet in chapter 11?

the lonely mountain and thrush

How does Thorin react when he finds out where the Arkenstone is? How does Thorin react when Bilbo admits his part in getting the Arkenstone to where it now is?

-At first Thorin is confused and dumbfounded. Then he grows furious. -He threatens to throw Bilbo over the side of the mountain, calls Bilbo a "descendent of rats," and banishes him.

How does Thorin react to these arguments? What are the two causes of Thorin's reaction?

-At first Thorin seems to consider the arguments, then he soundly rejects them as evidenced by his shooting an arrow at the messenger. -1. He is furious that the Elves are there. 2. He won't talk with armed men. (These are both weak reasons. The reality is that he is bewitched by the treasure and, therefore, has grown greedy.)

What plan do the men at arms form at the end of the chapter? What incentive do the have for making such a plan?

-At the end of the chapter, an armed battalion of men and an armed battalion of elves plan to march to Lonely Mountain. -Their incentive is the treasure.

Who is Bard and what is his background history? Name everything that makes his killing Smaug possible.

-Bard is the captain of the Laketown archers. He is known for his bravery but also for being too serious. He is a descendent of Girion, Lord of Dale. -He can understand the thrush, so he learns of Smaug's weakness. He has a magic black arrow that always hits its target. The moon came from behind the clouds.

What is Bilbo's chief thought after he steals the cup? What does this reveal about Bilbo's character?

-Bilbo is still bothered about being called a grocer and feels this will prove to the dwarves his ability. -Bilbo still has a long way to go if he feels others must provide self-worth.

What are Bilbo's final words to Smaug? What weakness in his character development does this display?

-"Ponies take some catching and so do burglars." -This shows over-confidence, which isn't good.

What is the Arkenstone?

The Arkenstone is a great diamond found deep in the mountain, and Thorin values it above all the treasure

What does the dragon say to try to poison Bilbo's trust in the dwarves?

The dragon suggests that Bilbo will not be able to cart away his share of the treasure because of the size and danger involved. He also says that the dwarves don't intend to pay him.

What do the dwarves do after they hear the news of the approaching men and elves?

The dwarves climb back to the Front Gate and prepare it for attack. They also find the 3 ponies that escaped Smaug and retrieve supplies.