Answer the following questions in your own words.
1. The use of epithets is a characteristic of epic poetry. Explain what Tolkien may be trying to convey by Bilbo’s use of epithets to “name” himself. In what other ways does Bilbo remind you of Odysseus in Homer’s The Odyssey?
2. Examine the possible etymology of the name “Arkenstone.” What associations and connotations do you think Tolkien intended when he named the stone?
from story book HOBBIT
Answers
Answer:
1. What does the word hobbit make you think of? How does Bilbo resemble a rabbit in this chapter? When you finish the book, ask yourself if he still reminds you of one.
2. What is an adventure? Is it something that happens, or is it the way we react to what happens? Can we live without adventures? What is “magic”? Is there any “magic” in this book? (Return to these questions as the book progresses.)
3. Explain all the meanings of good morning (pp. 4–5).
4. What about adventures awakens Bilbo’s Tookish side (pp. 15–16)? What causes his Baggins side to reemerge (pp. 16, 27)? Explain the difference between Bilbo’s Tookish side and his Baggins side. Can you relate to Bilbo’s feelings of ambivalence? Do you think everyone has similar “Tookish” and “Baggins” sides to their personalities?
5. Even this early in the book, we can see some of the characteristics of dwarves, wizards, and dragons. Begin generating a list of the characteristics––both physical and character traits–– of each of the magical creatures in The Hobbit.
The Hobbit Discussion Questions: Chapter Two
1. Begin paying close attention to the way that Tolkien uses the presence and absence of the character of Gandalf to develop both the plot and the character of Bilbo Baggins. Why is it important that Gandalf is not present when the expedition meets the trolls?
2. Myths, legends, and folktales often reflect the values of a given culture. At this point in the story, what can you infer about the character traits that Tolkien considers positive? What character traits are viewed in a negative light?
3. What is more important at this point: intelligence or physical strength?
The Hobbit Discussion Questions: Chapter Three
1.What is the difference between the ways 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. Elrond plays a significant role in the Lord of the Rings trilogy. How does the way that Tolkien introduces him help set up his importance in later stories? How does this sort of backstory contribute to Tolkien’s world building?
3. Research the tradition of naming weapons in classical myths and legends. Why might it be significant for Tolkien to have given the elves named swords? What message do you think is conveyed by the names given to the swords?
The Hobbit Discussion Questions: Chapter Four
1. What does Tolkien tell us about goblins? Why do you think he does not give specific details about their appearance? Discuss what you think goblins look like, and explain which details in the book give you that idea.
2. Discuss the role that music plays in the development of the different magical beings. Compare the songs sung by the dwarves (pp. 14–15), the elves (pp. 48–49), and the goblins (pp. 60–61). How do the songs differ in tone, content, and structure? What do the tone, content, and structure of their songs reveal about the creatures that sing them?
3. Consider the following quote: “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” (p. 62). Can you take this statement seriously? What is Tolkien suggesting by linking his fantasy world to the reader’s modern world? What commentary is he making about the use of military technology?
The Hobbit Discussion Questions: Chapter Five
1. How are Bilbo and Gollum alike? Can you call Gollum evil? Discuss the concept that Gollum is the negative side of Bilbo, with which Bilbo must come to terms before he can achieve his identity.
2. What effect did the ring seem to have on Gollum? How did the loss of the ring affect him?
3. What skills does Bilbo show in dealing with Gollum? “No great leap for a man, but a leap in the dark” (p. 39). Is “a leap in the dark” actually a “great leap”? Explain your answer. Discuss this quotation with respect to Bilbo’s decision not to kill Gollum, and his newfound courage.
4. Should Gollum be considered a sympathetic character? Defend your answer.