The Hobbit – J.R.R. Tolkien
Background Information Web Quest
The purpose of this web quest is to help you understand more about
the author and setting of The Hobbit before reading the novel.
The information in this web quest will provide you with essential
information about the genre, the setting of the novel, and Tolkien’s
background, influences, and motivation for writing The Hobbit.
In this classic novel, we follow Bilbo, a hobbit, on an unexpected
journey with Gandalf, a wizard, and several other creatures including
dwarves, elves, and a dragon.
Directions:
Use the websites and questions provided to create background
information notes for The Hobbit.
You will work with a group to view websites and formulate answers to
the questions.
Presentation:
Present the information in the form of a multi-media presentation.
You should include information that is interesting and also necessary
to understand your topic and allow the audience to answer the
questions.
Audience members will be taking notes during the presentations for a
daily grade.
**Creativity will earn you extra points on this presentation. Some ideas include: props,
costumes, music, etc. Please check with your teacher prior to the presentation for approval.
J.R.R. Tolkien
When and where was J.R.R. Tolkien born?
What was his family life like?
Where did he attend college? What did he study in college?
What books did he write?
What factors in Tolkien’s life influenced the creation of The Hobbit?
What year was The Hobbit published?
What was the public’s reaction to the novel?
Epic Poems and the Hero’s Journey
What is an epic poem, and what are its origins? What were its uses?
What are the characteristics of an epic poem?
What are some examples of epic poems?
Which epic poems inspired Tolkien and why?
What is the hero’s journey? What are its origins? How does it relate to literature?
Nordic Mythology
What is Nordic mythology? What are the elements of Nordic mythology?
Who is a famous Norse God?
Which elements of The Hobbit did this type of mythology influence?
What other well-known types of literature were influenced by Nordic mythology?
Archetypes
What is an archetype? Dissect the word, archetype, and tell the meaning of its
roots.
What is the origin of the archetype?
Give examples of archetypes.
Where might one find an archetype?
Are archetypes used in literature today?
1930s England
Explore these areas of 1930s England:
Monarchy
Economy
Homes
Fashion
Music
Art
Literature
Technology
Education
Middle Earth
Explore Tolkien’s Middle Earth.
What is it like?
Who lives there?
Where does the name come from?
Did Tolkien invent Middle Earth?
Fantasy Genre
What are the characteristics of the fantasy genre?
What are the origins of this genre?
How does fantasy differ from science fiction and fairy tales?
Give some examples of popular fantasy authors both modern and classic.
Give some examples of popular fantasy novels both modern and classic.
Give some examples of popular fantasy movies both modern and classic.
Dragon Lore
What is a dragon?
Where do they come from?
Are there different types of dragons?
Which literary genre would a dragon be associated with? Why?
What are some famous dragon legends?
What are some famous dragons?
Hobbits
What is a hobbit?
What does a hobbit look like?
Where do hobbits live?
What are the character traits of hobbits?
Describe their culture and lifestyle.
Are there different types of hobbits? Explain.