The Hobbit
Reading Questions
Directions: Answer each of the following questions using COMPLETE SENTENCES.
Chapter 1
1. Describe the setting. Be sure to name the location and give details about Bilbo’s home.
Place: a hobbit’s hole (home) in The Hill.
Date: a long time ago (not specified but we know hobbits existed before humans took over). “When there was
less noise and more green, and the hobbits were still numerous and prosperous”. The sun is shining and the
grass is very green. It was a Wednesday in April.
2. Describe a Hobbit. List as many details as you can find.
Short (half our height)
Smaller than the Dwarves
Have no beards
Little or no magic in them except disappearing quietly and quickly, when they hear big people coming (they
have good hearing, can hear a mile off)
Fat in the stomach (eat a lot)
Dress in bright colors (chiefly green and yellow)
Wear no shoes – feet grow natural leathery soles and thick warm brown curly hair
Long clever brown fingers
Good-natured faces
Laugh deep, fruity laughs (especially after dinner)
3. What are the other two races, other than a hobbit, that we learn about?
Wizards and Dwarfs
4. The author gives a lot of details about Bilbo’s home. What do those details tell you about Hobbits and the
way they live?
-Perfectly round door painted green with a shiny yellow brass knob in the middle. -Somewhat resembles the
rabbit hole except that it has a door.
-Love of tidiness and cleanliness, comfort inside the house
-Lots of pantries – he likes to have food at hand for visitors and for himself
-Wardrobes – love of clothes
-All rooms on the same passage – love of comfort (does not want to climb stairs)
-Best rooms on the left-hand side with windows (going in) – probably the ones he stayed at more to see who
was coming and going and have a chat with people.
5. Write at least 2 sentences describing the following characters:
o Gandalf- white beard, wizard, and takes Bilbo on adventure
o Thorin- Head dwarf, shows up at Bilbo’s house for tea
6. Based on what you know about the adventure they are about to undertake, do you think the first conflict in
the story will be “man versus man,” “man versus nature,” “man versus society” or “man versus self?” Explain
why.
Man vs Man- People wanting Bilbo to go on the adventure, but he doesn’t want to
Man vs Nature- All of the obstacles Bilbo comes across on the adventure
Man vs. Self- Bilbo struggles with his decisions
7. What event makes Bilbo finally think of considering going on the adventure?
The dwarf song
8. What is Bilbo’s role in the adventure? In other words, what do they say they need him to do? Explain why.
He will be their burglar
9. What brought the dragon to the dwarves mountain and what did it do?
The gold and riches. Dragons like to plunder and steal gold and jewels.
10. How did Gandalf get the map?
Thorin’s grandfather was killed in the mines of Moria, and Thorin’s father gave Gandalf the map. The father
tried to get to the mountain but was made a prisoner in the dungeons of the Necromancer. Gandalf was there in
an adventure and tried to save Thorin’s father. Gandalf had trouble finding Thorin because he did not know his
name.
Chapter 2
1. Why must Bilbo rush to meet the dwarves the night after their unexpected visit?
Bilbo rushed to meet the dwarves because they left him a note telling him to meet them at 11 a.m and Bilbo
only had ten minutes to get to the Green Dragon Inn.
2. What were some of the things that Bilbo left in his hurry to meet the group?
Bilbo left his pocket-handkerchief, his walking stick, his hat, and money.
3. What happened to the group's food?
One of the ponies was frightened and took off into the river. Most of the food was on him in a bag. It was
washed away in the water.
4. What does the group see that causes them to send Bilbo to check it out?
They could see a red light through the trees.
5. When Bilbo is scouting out the light, what does he come across?
He saw three trolls sitting around a fire and eating mutton.
6. Describe the troll race, citing specific evidence from the book.
7. How does Bilbo get caught by the trolls?
He put his hand in the troll’s pocket to steal his bag from him.
8. How does Gandalf outsmart the trolls into their own doom and free the dwarves?
Gandalf talks in their voices and then turns them to stone.
Chapter 3
1. Where is Gandalf taking the group for shelter, rest, and food?
They are going to Rivendell to stay with Gandalf’s friend Elrond in the Last Homely House.
2. What village do they encounter on their way to Gandalf's friend's home?
The Elvish Valley
3. Describe the race of elves, citing specific evidence from the book.
Elves were the first creatures in Middle-Earth: they are immortal unless killed in battle; they are fair-faced, with
beautiful voices; and they have a close communion with nature, which makes them skillful craftsmen. The
unique magic of the swords is that they glow with a blue light when goblins are near.
4. What other species does not get along with the elves?
Dwarves do not get along with them well.
5. What are moon-letters?
They are written in the dwarf language with runes, but you cannot see them unless the moon is shining in the
same shape and season as when they are written.
6. What day does the group learn they need to be at the secret entrance of the mountain according to the moon
letters?
Durin’s Day- The first day of the dwarves new year
7. Tolkien says in this chapter that “It is a strange thing, but things that are good to have and days that are good
to spend are soon told about, and not much to listen to; while things that are uncomfortable, palpitating, and
even gruesome, may make a good tale, and take a deal of telling away.” What does this quote mean, and do you
agree? Why or why not?
Chapter 4
1. The narrator says that “only Gandalf had shaken his head and said nothing” when the dwarves talked about
coming to the door of the Lonely Mountain the next last moon of autumn. What can you infer Gandalf's
reaction to their hope to mean? What might his reaction be foreshadowing?
He does not approve or agree. This foreshadows that something might go wrong.
2. What creatures were out during the storm hurling rocks?
The stone-giants
3. What literary device is the following quote an example of: “There is nothing like looking, if you want to find
something (or so Thorin said to the young dwarves). You certainly usually find something, if you look, but it is
not always quite the something you were after. So it proved on this occasion.” Simile
4. What question did Gandalf ask Fili and Kili after they came back reporting they had found a dry cave?
He asked if they thoroughly explored it because he knew the caves were often occupied.
5. Who attacked the group in the cave?
The goblins
6. Who was the only one to escape the cave? How?
Gandalf escaped because Bilbo yelled to him
7. What does Bilbo wish for again and “not for the last time”?
His hobbit hole
8. What is Thorin carrying that angers the Great Goblin?
The sword Thorin was wearing that came from the troll’s lair. (Biter)
9. After reading the last paragraph of the chapter, what do you predict might happen next?
Chapter 5
1. What does the narrator tell us “was a turning point in his [Bilbo's] career, but he did not know it”? Finding
the ring
2. What power does Bilbo's elvish blade have? It can sense when goblins are near
3. Citing evidence from the text, describe Gollum's physical appearance.
Slimy creature, with snakelike features
4. Why does Gollum talk to himself? What does he call himself?
He talks to himself because he has been alone for so long. He has an alternate personality.
5. What game does Bilbo agree to play with Gollum? What are the rules of the game?
The riddle game- if Gollum wins he gets to eat Bilbo. If Bilbo wins then Gollum has to show him the way out.
6. What “riddle” does Bilbo ask that Gollum cannot answer?
What’s in my pocket?
7. What is Gollum's “birthday-present”?
The ring
8. What power does the ring give Bilbo when he slips it on his finger?
Invisibility
9. What keeps Bilbo from stabbing Gollum to escape?
He thinks it is unfair for him to attack him when he cannot see him.
10. Who is at the exit of the cave?
Gobblins
Chapter 6
1. What are the dwarves and Gandalf discussing when Bilbo sneaks up on them?
They were talking about going back to get Bilbo.
2. Why do you think Bilbo does not tell the group about the ring?
He wants them to think he escaped on his own.
3. What are Goblins afraid of that allowed the group some time to get further on their journey before the
Goblins would come for them?
They are afraid of the sun.
4. According to the narrator, where did the proverb, “Out of the frying pan into the fire” come from? What does
it mean?
It means getting out of a difficult situation and in to an even more difficult situation.
5. What creatures does the group encounter that make them climb trees?
Wolves
6. What are these particular wolves called?
Wargs
7. What plans did Gandalf overhear the wolves discussing in their language?
Gandalf heard that the goblins were going to attack the group.
8. What are wolves afraid of that Gandalf tried to use to scare them off?
They are afraid of fire
9. Who comes to help the wolves in capturing the group?
The goblins come to try to capture them.
10. Who rescues the group from the trees?
The Lord of the Eagles comes to their rescue because Gandalf did them a favor.
11. The Lord of the Eagles will not take the group as far as they need to go because eagles are afraid of what?
They are afraid of the danger of getting shot by hunters.
Chapter 7
1. How does the narrator foreshadow the outcome of the adventure?
He states that they had a very long way to go.
2. What news does Gandalf give the group about what he must do that distresses them greatly?
Gandalf tells the group that he cannot go with them.
3. Whose house does the group go to for rest and supplies?
They go to Beorn’s house for the supplies.
4. How does Gandalf get the entire group into the house, despite the host's usual resistance towards strangers or
guests?
He introduces them in pairs.
5. What is unusual about this man?
Beorn is able to turn in to a bear.
6. The dwarves sing as Bilbo falls asleep that night. One of the verses said, “The Wind came down from the
mountains cold, and like a tide it roared and rolled; the branches groaned, the forest moaned.” What kind of
figurative language is this verse and what impact does it have on the depiction of nature?
The figurative language is Personification and Simile. It depicts that nature is alive.
7. What does Bilbo hear in as everyone sleeps?
He hears scratching and howling at the door.
8. Where was Gandalf?
He was looking for a path for Bilbo and the dwarves.
9. Where was Beorn? What news does he bring the group?
He tells them that the Goblins came after him.
10. The word “disused” shows up in reference to the forest road that led to impassable marshes. What does the
prefix “dis” mean and what does the word “disused” mean in relation to the prefix's meaning?
Dis means not or against. Disused means that something is not used properly.
11. What must the group send back once they reach Mirkwood?’
They have to send back their horses.
12. Who does the group bid farewell to once they reach Mirkwood?
They tell Gandalf goodbye.
13. At the end of Chapter 7 what warning does Gandalf repeat 3 times? Why do you think this is significant?
He tells them to stay on the path. He probably tells them this because he knows there is danger if they do not
stay on the path.
Chapter 8
1. Why were the travelers unable to cross over the stream by bridge?
It was broken and rotted.
2. Describe what happened to Bombur as he was about to step into the boat.
He fell into the water and he was knocked unconscious.
3. Explain how Bombur's unfortunate incident slowed their travels.
The group had to carry him the rest of the way and it slowed them down.
4. Explain why Bilbo and the dwarves strayed from the path.
They saw a light in the woods.
5. What did Bilbo discover was happening to him when he awoke?
He was confused and realized a spider was surrounding him.
6. Explain the transformation of Bilbo Baggins' character as he renames his sword Sting.
He becomes more confident because of the obstacles he keeps overcoming.
7. Why is Bilbo horrified when he stumbles upon the dwarves in a dark part of the Mirkwood forest?
The spider is hanging all of them up.
8. Explain why Bilbo was so adroit at throwing stones.
He used to practice doing it when he was younger. He has good eyes.
9. Summarize Bilbo's rescue of the dwarves.
He puts on the ring and throws stones to unhang them from the spider’s web.
10. What do the dwarves discover when they take a headcount?
That Thorin has gone missing.
Chapter 9
1. Where did the Wood-elves take their captives?
To the Elvenking’s Castle
2. How did the dwarves react to their interrogation by the Elvenking?
They would not tell him what their plan was.
3. What does the Elvenking order his men to do?
Take them to the dungeon
4. How did Bilbo learn that Thorin was being kept captive in the dungeon?
He was invisible and went to see.
5. Who played a key role in the escape of the dwarves from prison?
Bilbo
6. Briefly describe their final departure from the palace.
Chapter 10
1. Describe the scene as Bilbo approaches the region where the trees ended.
Open land, filled with rivers and lakes
2. Describe the strange town at the mouth of the Forest River.
It was small and guarded. It looked like it was floating on the river.
3. What strange creatures inhabited the town?
Lake-men (humans)
4. Why did the guards at Lake-town not keep a very careful watch?
They did not keep a close watch because people rarely passed through there.
5. Why were the raft-men elves so astonished at the appearance of the dwarves?
They thought all of the dwarves were killed by Smaug.
6. Why does the Master relinquish his own great chair to Thorin despite the fact that he is not completely
convinced that the dwarf is who he claims to be?
Thorin comes from a family of nobility. His grandfather was the King under the Mountain.
7. How appropriate is the title of this chapter?
A Warm Welcome was appropriate because they welcomed them with open arms.
8. How did the Elvenking respond to the news of the dwarves' plans to slay the dragon, Smaug, and capture his
treasure?
He didn’t believe that they could do it. He thought they would be stealing gold. He was surprised and scared for
them.
9. Who was the only person thoroughly unhappy the day of the departure?
Bilbo was unhappy at the departure.
Chapter 11
1. Why did the men of the town refuse to stay overnight where the dwarves disembarked?
The thought it was too close to the mountain where Smaug was.
2. Describe their surroundings as the adventurers moved nearer to the Mountain.
It was creepy and scary. There was smoke and everything was black.
3. Which dwarf informs Bilbo that he was in the Dale the day the Dragon attacked?
Balin
4. What did Bilbo and his companions see on their scouting expedition?
A doorstep that led to a door that was locked.
5. Explain how Bilbo begins to take a leadership role in their quest.
He begins to give everyone direction.
6. How does Bilbo finally unlock the riddle and the secret door?
He uses the key when the sun reflects off of it.
Chapter 12
1. How did the dwarves respond when Bilbo asked for volunteers to accompany him into the Mountain?
Nobody responded because they were scared.
2. What took away Bilbo's breath?
When he saw the dragon and the treasure.
3. Describe the dragon.
He was red and gold with jewels. He is big and breathes fire.
4. What did Bilbo carry back to the dwarves?
A two-handled gold cup.
5. How do we know that Smaug kept close tabs on his treasure?
He keeps one eye open when he sleeps. He noticed something was missing.
6. What analogy does the author use when describing the dragon's rage?
An erupting volcano
7. What indication is there that Bilbo is turning into a real leader?
He is taking control by leading them and going in to see the dragon.
8. What can no dragon resist?
Riddles
9. What was Bilbo pleased to see when he tricked the dragon into displaying his underside?
That he had a weak spot underneath him.
10. Why does Bilbo regret his comment about the Barrel-rider to Smaug?
He gave away a clue to where they came from.
11. Why does Bilbo throw a stone at the thrush?
He thought it was spying on them.
12. How did the band of adventurers become trapped in the Mountain?
They shut a door to keep out Smaug.
Chapters 13-14 Questions
1. What is the heart of the mountain that they recognize from Thorin’s description?
The Arkenstone
2. Why do the dwarves finally relent and make their way down the dark tunnel to Smaug's lair?
The only way out was down
3. What does Bilbo confiscate from the mound of treasure?
A golden cup
4. What does Thorin offer Baggins as a reward for his assistance?
A coat of mail, a belt of pearls and crystals, and a hat with white gems.
5. Why did Thorin offer to lead the group of adventurers to the Front Gate?
He knew the ways through the palace
6. How do the townspeople taking a stroll on the quays, interpret the flickering light at the northern end of the
lake?
They think it is a gold river to warn them when the king is coming.
7. How do the townspeople react to the initial warnings from Bard?
The ran in panic.
8. How does Bard save the day?
He kills Smaug
9. What important role does the thrush play in the demise of the dragon?
He tells them that the dragon has a weak spot.
10. What did the Elvenking think had happened to Thorin and the dwarves when he received news of Smaug's
death?
He thought they died
Chapter 15-16
1. Why would the presence of carrion birds suggest that a battle is imminent?
The come to be spectators and watch the battle to tell about it.
2. Who is Roac?
A messenger bird.
3. What news does Roac bring to the dwarves?
That Smaug has died
4. What course of action did Thorin choose after hearing the news?
He wants to get the treasure and he calls for Dain to help.
5. How does Bard justify his claim and also that of his men to Smaug's treasure?
It is his inheritance.
6. What conditions did Thorin insist on before he would negotiate any terms of settlement with the Bard?
He says they will not share the treasure
7. What does Thorin vow to do to anyone who withholds the Arkenstone?
8. Who was the "thief in the night"?
Bilbo
9. How was Bilbo able to escape?
He climbed out the window.
10. Why did Bilbo give the Arkenstone to Bard?
As a bargaining chip.
11. Who delights Bilbo with his presence just as the hobbit is preparing to depart the camp for his return to the
Mountain?
Gandalf
Chapter 17-18
1. How does Bilbo defend himself against Thorin's accusation that he has stolen the Arkenstone?
He says that he did it because he considered it his share of payment.
2. Why were Dain's people refused entry to the Mountain?
Bard didn’t want to let them in until the gold and silver was exchanged for the Arkenstone.
3. Why did the dwarf attack against the Bard and the Elvenking end as quickly as it had begun?
The goblins come in and kill many.
4. What role does the hobbit play in this fierce battle?
He was invisible and then he warned them of the eagles coming.
5. What is the "gleam in the gloom" and how does it turn the tide of the battle?
The Arkenstone. They use it as a bargaining tool.
6. What happens to Bilbo at the end of this chapter?
He falls and hits his head. It knocks him out.
7. Who has sent a man in search of Bilbo?
Gandalf
8. Who has been mortally wounded?
Thorin
9. What protagonist from earlier in the story reappears to do battle with the forces of evil?
Beorn
10. Describe Thorin's final resting place.
Deep beneath the mountain with the Arkenstone and Orcrist on him.
11. How do we know that Bilbo was well guided and well-guarded on his way home?
Beorn and Gandalf were with him
Chapter 19
1. Explain why Gandalf had to leave the party of adventurers near Mirkwood?
He was at the great council of the white wizards.
2. What did Gandalf and Bilbo do with the troll's gold?
They dug it up from where it was buried.
3. Explain the commotion that Bilbo discovers as he arrives at his home.
He came back to his belonging being auctioned off. They thought he died.
4. Gandalf tells Bilbo he is not the hobbit he once used to be. Do you agree or disagree? Defend your response
with examples from the book.
He is not the same hobbit. He has gone on adventures, outsmarted creatures, gained wealth and a ring.
5. How does Bilbo Baggins still make use of his magic ring?
He kept it a secret and used it when unpleasant callers came.