English 9
Name:____________________________________
The Hobbit STUDY GUIDE
Chapter 1: An Unexpected Party
1. What does the word hobbit make you think of? How does the name suit hobbits?
2. Explain all the meanings of good morning. How can the same phrase have different
meanings, and how would someone convey one meaning versus another?
3. What’s the difference between a Baggins and a Took? What awakens Bilbo Baggins’
“Tookish” side?
4. Already in the novel we have seen some of the physical/character traits of dwarves,
wizards, hobbits, and dragons. Begin listing them in the chart at the end of this document.
Chapter II: Roast Mutton
1. Describe the physical space the trolls inhabit. Where are they when the dwarves and
Bilbo find them?
2. How does Bilbo know the three creatures he and the dwarves come across are trolls?
What are some of the defining characteristics of trolls, according to Tolkien?
3. What prompts Bilbo to pick the troll’s pocket? Does he succeed? (Note: This is
foreshadowing!)
4. What would have happened to them all if Gandalf had not returned?
5. How does Gandalf trick the trolls?
6. What lesson should the reader (and the dwarves/Bilbo) learn from the trolls’ behavior?
Chapter III: A Short Rest
7. What is the difference between the ways Bilbo and the dwarves react to Rivendell? What
more does this tell us about the personalities of dwarves and those of hobbits?
8. Compare and contrast Hobbiton (the Shire) with Rivendell.
Hobbiton
Rivendell
9. How does Elrond feel about the expedition, and what does he say about the dwarves’ love
of gold and the wickedness of dragons? Is there some lesson readers should be taking
from this?
10. Add your observations about elves to the chart at the end of the document.
Chapter IV: Over Hill and Under Hill
11. What does Tolkien tell us about goblins? Why doesn’t he tell us what they look like?
12. Music plays an important role in the development of the different magical beings.
Consider 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?
13. About goblins Tolkien writes, “It is not unlikely that they invented some of the machines
that have since troubled the world, especially the ingenious devices for killing large
numbers of people at once” (62).
a. Tolkien fought in World War I during the Battle of the Somme. Based upon this
information and the above quotation, how does Tolkien seem to feel about
machinery, and especially war machinery?
b. Knowing how Tolkien feels about machinery, what then does this suggest about
goblins? What do they symbolize or represent for Tolkien?
c. Tolkien was a luddite. What do you think that means? Check your understanding
by looking it up in a dictionary.
Chapter V: Riddles in the Dark
14. How are Bilbo and Gollum alike?
15. Bilbo meets Gollum in the dark, deep down inside a mountain. Psychoanalysts would say
that this chapter is Bilbo’s dream, and that Bilbo is confronting “Gollum” deep within his
unconscious mind. Knowing this, what might Gollum represent for Bilbo? Why is it
important that Bilbo win over Gollum?
16. What skills does Bilbo use to escape Gollum?
17. Is Gollum a sympathetic character, or is he simply rotten or evil? Explain your
feelings/reasoning.
Notes: Chapter V is a pivotal one for Bilbo Baggins and begins to reveal Bilbo’s inner
resourcefulness. The episode with Gollum also foreshadows Bilbo’s greatest challenge later
in the novel; keep this in mind as you continue to read. In addition, note the cyclical nature of
the plot as we move forward: The situations Bilbo found himself in during chapters 2 through
5 will repeat in many ways in Chapters 6 through 9, although Bilbo’s response to these
situations will alter and will reveal his character development.
Chapter VI: Out of the Frying-Pan Into the Fire
18. If Bilbo believed the dwarves were still inside the mountain, do you think he’d try to
rescue them? Would they try to rescue him? What information does this add to our
understanding of dwarves and hobbits? Add this to the chart at the end of the document.
19. Why won’t the Eagles fly near where men live? What is Tolkien suggesting about
humans? Why show humans this way, when Tolkien knows that his audience is
composed of humans?
20. In question 12, you were asked to consider the music of the different beings in Tolkien’s
world. Let’s add goblin music to this list. Consider the goblin songs on pp. 60-61 and
106-107. What do you notice about them? Consider rhythm, length, use of punctuation,
content, and anything else you feel is significant. What do the goblin songs tell us about
these creatures?
Chapter VII: Queer Lodgings
21. The word queer has a different meaning today than it did for Tolkien.
a. Look up the etymology of the word and explain how Tolkien meant the term.
b. Then, consider what it originally meant when applied to the homosexual
community, and what is has come to mean today.
c. Word meanings sometimes change. Can you think of any other words, the
meaning of which has changed over time?
22. Compare and contrast the expedition’s arrival at Beorn’s house with the Unexpected
Party of the first chapter. How are the reasons for these “parties” different? Although
both hosts are similar in that they are initially unwilling, how is Beorn different from
Bilbo?
23. Beorn is based in part upon the Beast in Beauty and the Beast. In what ways does Beorn
fulfill this archetype? In what ways is he different?
24. Why is it necessary that Gandalf leave the expedition?
Chapter VIII: Flies and Spiders
25. Before you begin reading, consider the following words that will appear in this chapter:
vexed (146), accursed (148), disquieting (147), loathsome (157), gloaming (168). If you
do not know the meanings of these words, look them up and write them below. Based
upon their meanings, what will be the tone of this chapter? What sorts of events might
occur? Explain.
26. Bilbo believes he sees a bear following them on their way to Mirkwood. Who is it, and
why is this character following them?
27. As the dwarves approach Mirkwood, Bilbo sees harts’ horns and some red deer. Later,
within Mirkwood, Thorin shoots a hart with his bow; shortly thereafter, Bilbo and the
dwarves see a white doe and some fawns. The hart (stag) is often interpreted within
mythology as a symbol of resurrection (eternal life), and in Celtic lore, white deer
symbolize the approach of the spirit world/magical world. Knowing all of this, how
might we interpret the party’s encounters with these animals? What warnings/
foreshadowings are provided to Bilbo and the dwarves? Do they understand or heed these
“prophesies”?
28. The Forest is an ancient archetype that signifies the inner life or unconscious mind of a
person or a people. In the Forest, we face our deepest fears and desires. Describe
Mirkwood. What kind of Forest is it? How is this in keeping with what happens to Bilbo
and the dwarves within its borders?
29. Beorn told the dwarves to stay on the path. The Path is an archetype symbolizing the
“right” or “true” way. What does it tell us about the dwarves when they leave the path?
30. Discuss the enchanted stream. Do you know of any other rivers or streams with similar
attributes in mythology or folklore? Why are they to be avoided? What symbolic purpose
do these sorts of symbols serve?
31. Tolkien tells us in chapter 1 that hobbits have specific skills. How does Bilbo use some of
these skills to save his friends?
32. The naming of a sword is a mythic trope, often signifying the bearer’s heroic status. What
does Bilbo name his sword? What information does this give us about Bilbo’s character
development at this point in the journey?
33. Discuss the ancient feud between the elves and the dwarves. What started it? Do you
know of any other such feuds in history, myth, or legend? Is one side “good” and the
other “evil”? If not, why would Tolkien create such ambiguity? What theme is he trying
to develop?
Chapter IX: Barrels Out of Bond
34. Tolkien tells us that the beech tree is the favorite of elves. Look up the symbolism of the
beech tree. What does this symbolism tell us about elves, since they love this tree above
all others?
35. Is the elf-king’s request of Thorin wrong or unfair?
36. Bilbo accepts the role of burglar on this adventure. Does he seem to have any ethical
dilemmas about his burglaries? How is the word burglar different in meaning or
connotation from thief?
37. Bilbo has now attempted to save the dwarves three times, two of them relatively
successfully. Why does Bilbo feel such loyalty to the dwarves? What does it suggest
about Bilbo that he feels the way he does for his companions?
Chapter X: A Warm Welcome
38. What are the connotations of the word master? What does the fact that the town's leader
is called "Master" and not "King" or "Mayor" or "Governor" suggest about the way he
rules and the way he sees himself?
39. Why are the dwarves happy? Why is Bilbo unhappy?
40. Most of the inhabitants of Lake-town do not believe in tales of the King's return or of the
dragon. What does it tell us about the people of Lake-town that they do not take their
legends seriously? Are contemporary Americans more or less like these people?
41. How does Thorin seem to be changing as he gets closer to the mountain? Is this
understandable?
Chapter XI: On the Doorstep
42. Despite the dwarves' happiness while in Laketown, the quickly become depressed when
confronted with the Mountain. In what ways does Bilbo show that he has more spirit left than
the dwarves?
43. Map Project.
Chapter XII: Inside Information
44. What does Bilbo take from the hoard? Why this item? What might be the symbolism of
such a piece?
45. “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” (p. 215). According to
this passage, what is true courage? What abilities and character traits has Bilbo
demonstrated so far? How do his earlier adventures prepare him for his confrontation
with Smaug?
46. How is Bilbo initially flummoxed by Smaug? What about Bilbo puzzles Smaug?
47. Of all the treasure in Smaug’s lair, why does Tolkien have Bilbo steal a simple cup?
What is the possible symbolic meaning of such a cup?
48. (In-class): Word Study continuum: The characteristics of dragons.
49. Examine the possible etymology of the name “Arkenstone.” What does arken- mean?
What associations and connotations do you think Tolkien intended when he named the
stone?
Chapter XIII: Not at Home
50. What does Thorin give Bilbo?
51. Why does Bilbo keep the Arkenstone? How does he justify his decision to withhold its
discovery from Thorin? Do you agree that Bilbo has a right to the stone?
Chapter XIV: Fire and Water
52. Why are the people of Esgaroth angry with Thorin? Do you think they have a right to be
angry? Do you think Thorin owes them anything?
53. Characterize Bard and the Master. Who speaks more convincingly? What does their
appearance suggest about them? Who has more courage? Who displays more leadership?
54. Explain the significance of Bard’s name. What is Tolkien showing he values by naming
such a noble character “Bard”?
55. Why does the Elvenking go to Esgaroth, instead of to the Lonely Mountain, as he had
planned? What does this tell you about his values and priorities? How is he different from
Thorin?
Chapter XV: The Gathering of the Clouds
56. What does it tell us about Bilbo that he is willing to forego his part of the treasure by
parting with the Arkenstone?
57. In spite of the possible reprisals, Bilbo cleaves to the dwarves and returns to the Lonely
Mountain. Why?
58. What are Bard’s three topics for discussion (265)? Do you think Bard’s requests are fair
and just? Is Thorin’s answer fair and just?
Chapter XVI: A Thief in the Night
59. Why does Bilbo give up the Arkenstone? How does this add to our understanding of his
character?
60. Despite the possible reprisals, Bilbo returns to the dwarves in the Lonely Mountain. Why?
Again, what further information does this give us regarding Bilbo Baggins?
Chapter XVII: The Clouds Burst
61. Trace Thorin’s moral degeneration. What causes him to change? Is it simply “dragon
fever,” or do you think more is at play for Thorin?
62. Before the arrival of the goblins and wargs, who are the “good guys” and who are the
“bad guys” in the standoff around the mountain? How does your opinion change when
the goblins arrive?
63. Which would be a greater tragedy: the killing of the armies of men, elves, and dwarves
by the goblins, or a war between men, elves, and dwarves? Explain your answer.
Chapter XVIII: The Return Journey
64. Why is it appropriate that the Eagles turn the tide of the battle? What might the Eagles
symbolize? (Note: Tolkien was not an American, so the specific meanings of liberty and
political or religious freedom are unlikely.)
65. Discuss Bilbo’s character now that his adventure is completed. Why does he refuse the
treasure? Why is he weary of his adventure? How has he proven himself to be a hero in
spite of his lack of traditionally “heroic” attributes like strength and assertiveness?
66. 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? Is it right to bury him with the Arkenstone?
Chapter XIX: The Last Stage
67. Look at the elves’ last songs (pp. 297–98, 299–300). What can you infer about the
character traits and values of elves from their song?
68. What does Bilbo gain from his adventure? Does he lose anything?
69. Bilbo is pleased that he is “only quite a little fellow in a wide world after all!” (p. 305).
Why is this a comforting perspective? How does viewing oneself as a small part of a
larger whole impact the way a person interacts with the world around him?
CHARACTER
Hobbits
Wizards
Dwarves
PHYSICAL TRAITS
CHARACTER TRAITS
CHARACTER
Elves
Dragons
PHYSICAL TRAITS
CHARACTER TRAITS