Plot
The novel begins with Bilbo getting a visit from a group of this fantasy race, who eat most of his food and make a mess in his kitchen.
Dwarves
What is the full name of our main character, the titular "Hobbit?"
Bilbo Baggins
What is the name of the location the Dwarves spend most of the novel traveling to, in order to take it back from the dragon Smaug?
The Lonely Mountain/Erebor
When Bilbo talks about how much he misses his handkerchief, he is contributing to what theme of the story?
Adventure vs. The Comfort of Home (Home)
What type of Figurative Language is this?
"'Thief in the Shadows!' Smaug gloated. 'My armour is tenfold shields, my teeth are swords, my claws spears, the shock of my tail a thunderbolt, my wings a hurricane, and my breath death!'"
Metaphor
Instead of Bilbo or Thorin, a different non-main character slays Smaug near the end of the novel. What is this character's name?
Bard
Bilbo finds a magic ring in the lair of this creature, and uses it to win a life or death game of riddles.
Gollum
After escaping the storm giants, Bilbo, Gandalf, and the Dwarves find a cave to spend the night in. What does this cave turn out to be the front entrance to?
Goblin Town
Rather than a traditional hero, Bilbo represents this heroic archetype, characterized by indirect feats of bravery and stealth.
Trickster
What is the meaning of this simile describing Thorin?
"Hood and cloak were gone; they were in shining armour, and red light leapt from their eyes. In the gloom, the great dwarf gleamed like gold in a dying fire."
Thorin and his appearance have brought hope to the battlefield
In order to help mediate peace between Thorin and the men and elves who believe they have claim to some of the Lonely Mountain's treasure, Bilbo steals this priceless artifact, giving it to Bard as a way to bargain with Thorin.
The Arkenstone
This skin-changer, capable of transforming into a giant bear, was instrumental in defeating the army of Goblins at the Battle of Five Armies.
Beorn
This location is home to Bard as well as a population of men who once made a lot of money trading with the Dwarves of the Lonely Mountain. The people of this location demand their people's gold be returned to them after Smaug is killed.
Lake Town/Esgaroth
After being reunited with all of his gold, Thorin becomes greedy and nearly goes to war in order to not share any of his new wealth. Name a theme of the story this could contribute to.
The Corruption of Money/Power - Money and power can corrupt anybody (Greed)
Identify what type of figurative language this is AND explain what it means:
"Boulders, too, at times came galloping down the mountain-sides, let loose by midday sun upon the snow, and passed among them (which was lucky), or over their heads (which was alarming)."
Personification; The boulders fell very quickly with a lot of rapid movements.
Thorin and Gandalf discuss this feature of the Lonely Mountain, claiming that the existence of this feature is the only reason they have a chance of getting past Smaug.
A secret side door to the mountain
Not all of the Dwarves survive to the end of the novel. Name every Dwarf that died in the Battle of Five Armies.
Thorin, Fili, Kili
After travelling with Bilbo and the Dwarves for much of their journey, where does Gandalf leave the group?
Murkwood/The Dark Forest
Bilbo is always thinking about going home.
Thorin and the Dwarves are fighting to get back to their home.
What type of figurative language is the following quote from Bilbo? Explain why!
“I may be a burglar...but I'm an honest one, I hope, more or less.”
Irony/Oxymoron; Burglars are not honest people, so it is ironic that Bilbo wants to be an honest dishonest person.
Because we view the story through Bilbo's eyes, we do not see most of the Battle of the Five Armies. Why does Bilbo not see most of the battle?
He was knocked out by a large rock hitting his head.
What name does Bilbo give his sword after using it to save the Dwarves from the giant spiders?
Sting
This is the name of Bilbo's hobbit hole, which he inherited from his parents and frequently wishes to return to throughout his adventure.
Bag-End
RACE Response: The main theme of the story is Bilbo's bravery, and the way it develops throughout the whole text. At what point in the story do you think Bilbo becomes truly brave?
Various Answers!
If Hobbits are a symbol for peaceful English farmers, and Dwarves are a symbol for working class men (smiths, miners, fletchers, etc.), what could Smaug be a symbol for?
Greedy and wealthy landowners (lords, heads of estate, even kings)