The Hobbit Reading Group
Goal: To think critically and communicate ideas clearly in verbal and in written form.
Week 7
Chapter 16 A Thief in the Night (Bilbo sneaks away)
1. How does Bilbo leave the Mountain without being caught?
2. What is Bilbo's plan to avoid war?
3. What old friend does Bilbo meet in the camp?
4. Why does Thorin reject Roac's advice? (253-254)
5. Giving up the Arkenstone is Bilbo's noblest moment. Why does he do it? Would any other character in the story be capable of this?
6. Why does Bilbo return to the Mountain after he hands the Arkenstone over to the men and elves?
Chapter 17 The Clouds Burst (The Battle of Five Armies)
1.What terms do Thorin and Bard come to? Read pages 260-262
2.What army makes the first attack?
3.Name the armies in the Battle of Five Armies.
5.Where does Bilbo take his final stand? Why? (269)
6.Contrast Thorin's attitude with the Elvenking's statement "Long will I tarry, ere I begin this war for gold."
7.Which would be a greater evil--the killing of the armies of men, elves, and dwarves by the goblins, or a war between men, elves, and dwarves? Why?
Chapter 18 The Return Journey (After the Battle)
1.Why isn't Bilbo found until the day after the battle?
2.Who turned the tide of the battle?
3.There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West. Some courage ...and some wisdom, blended in measure. If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world" (p. 273). Discuss Bilbo's character now that his adventure is completed. Why does he refuse the treasure? Why is he weary of his adventure?
4.Examine the final views we get of Thorin on his deathbed and in his tomb. (p. 272) Is his quest fulfilled? Is Thorin's death necessary to the story? What lesson does he learn? Does he deserve our respect or admiration?
5.Examine in detail the various demands and offers made by Bard and the dwarves (and the elves). How does the final solution match what each party wants and deserves? What is the difference between Dain's gift and Thorin's promises? (275-276)
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Week 8
Chapter 19 The Last Stage (Bilbo heads home)
1.Where was Gandalf while the expedition crossed Mirkwood? (280-281)
2.Why are Bilbo's goods being auctioned?
3.What happened to the old Master of Lake-town?
4.Look at the elves' song (pp. 279-80). Describe the character and values of elves.
5."He gained-well, you will see whether he gained anything in the end" (p. 16). " 'My dear Bilbo!'{Gandalf} said 'Something is the matter with you! You are not the hobbit that you were'" (p284). What does Bilbo gain from his adventure? (Don't forget to include the ability and desire to make poetry.) What is the difference in the way his home is dear to him now?
6."'You don't really suppose, do you, that all your adventures and escapes were managed by mere luck, just for your sole benefit'?" (p.286). Then what does manage them?
7.Why is Bilbo pleased that he is "only quite a little fellow in a wide world after all!" (p.287)?
Discuss the difference between the content, rhythms, and music of dwarf-songs (pp. 25, 27, 238, 248) and elf-songs (pp. 57, 279-281).
The Hobbit Movie - Production Diaries
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Week 1
The Hobbit Kickoff: J.R.R Tolkien
Activator: Why do you want to read and discuss the Hobbit?
Mini Lesson: From Book to Vision Video
Student Engagement: Discuss J.R.R Tolkien
Wrap-up:Look up the meanings of the words that you don't know (they show up in the first 3 chapters of The Hobbit)
Vocabulary
audacious (29), rune (32), abreast (32),legendary (34), obstinately (34), prudent (34), remuneration (34), necromancer (37), esteemed (41), paraphernalia (42), applicable (48), drear (55), glade (57), faggot (58), bannock (58), palpitating (60), cleave (61)
Next: Week: Read Chapters 1-3, Jot done questions or ideas that are important to you.
The Hobbit: Free online
An Interactive Map and Timeline of Middle Earth
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Week 2
Chapters 1 - 3 Discussion
Chapter 1. An Unexpected Party (Bilbo's Home)
Chapter 2.Roast Mutton (Trolls)
Chapter 3. A Short Rest (Rivendell & Elrond)
1. What does the word hobbit make you think of? (The possibilities include rabbit, hobby, Babbit,
habit and hob. The word is probably best seen as a blend of rabbit and hob, an obsolete British
word meaning "a rustic, peasant" or "sprite, elf.") 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? Is there any "magic" in this book? (Return to these questions as
the book progresses.)
3. Explain all the meanings of "good morning" (pp. 17-19).
4. What about adventures awakens Bilbo's "Tookish" side (pp. 26-28, 30)? What causes his
"Baggins" side to reemerge (pp. 30, 38)? Is the Baggins side timid or practical? Is the Tookish
side heroic, curious or proud?
5. Even this early in the book, we can see some of the characteristics of dwarves. What are they?
6. What are dragons like (p.35)? As you read on, think about the differences and similarities
between dwarves and dragons.
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Week 3
Activator: Maps of Bilbo's Journey: A Slideshare, and A Map of Middle Earth
Mini Lesson and Student Engagement: Chapter 4 - 6 Discussion
Chapter 4. Over Hill and Under Dale (Goblins)
Chapter 5 Riddles in the Dark (Gollum & The Ring)
Chapter 6. Out of the Frying Pan Into the Fire (Saved by Eagles)
1 Bilbo has trouble sleeping and dreams that the floor of the cave is opening up. What is the meaning of this in the story?
2.How many are in Bilbo's party?
3.How are Bilbo and Gollum alike? Can you call Gollum evil?
4.What skills does Bilbo show in dealing with Gollum?
5."No great leap for a man, but a leap in the dark." (p.39 read this aloud) Discuss this quotation with respect to
Bilbo's decision not to kill Gollum, and his newfound courage.
6.Would Bilbo try to rescue the dwarves if they were still inside the Mountains? Would they try to
rescue him?
7. Why doesn't Bilbo tell the dwarves about his ring? Do you consider this lying?
8 .What does it mean for our opinion of Bilbo's courage and prowess that Gandalf, his mentor, must be rescued by the Eagles?
9. How powerful is Gandalf? What sort of magic has he done? What other skills and abilities does Gandalf have?
10. Is this a story about heroism?
Wrap-up: Read 7 through 9, and 10-12 for next week's class
Extension: How to memorize all the names of the dwarves in the Hobbit. Dwalin, Balin, Kili, Fili, Dori, Nori, Ori, Oin, Gloin, Bifur, Bofur, Bombur, and Thorin.
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Week 4
Activator: Other than Bilbo, which character from The Hobbit is Your Favorite?
Mini Lesson and Student Engagement: Chapter 7-9 Discussion
Chapter 7 Queer Lodgings (Beorn)
Chapter 8 Flies and Spiders (Spiders)
Chapter 9 Barrels Out of Bond (Capture by Wood Elves & Escape)
1.Compare the expedition's arrival at Beorn's house with the Unexpected Party of Chapter 1. Note that now Bilbo is in on the plot. While both hosts have to be cajoled, it is for very different reasons. What are they?
2.Discuss Beorn's character. What are his virtues? Why is he suspicious of strangers? What about him seems vicious? In what ways is he gentle?
3.Why is it necessary to the story that Gandalf leave the expedition?
4.What heroic acts does Bilbo perform in Chapter 8, Flies and Spiders?
5.Why does Bilbo tell the dwarves about his magic ring? What does his reluctance to do so tell us? What do you think he learns from this?
6.Discuss the ancient feud between dwarves and elves? Whose fault is it? If neither side is in the right, how can you tell the difference between good and evil?
7.Why does the Elvenking imprison the dwarves? Why won't Thorin tell the Elvenking what his mission is?
8.In Chapter 9, after he has escaped from the elves, how does he feel about stealing? Is he a burglar now? (p. 181)?
9.The escape plan from the Elvenking's Halls is completely Bilbo's. How good is it? How much does it depend on luck? Does he deserve this luck?
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Week 5
Chapters 10-12
Chapter 10. A Warm Welcome (Laketown)
Chapter 11. On the Doorstep (Lonely Mountain, The Door)
Chapter 12. Inside Information (Smaug)
1."Some sang too that Thror and Thrain would come back one day and gold would flow in rivers through mountain gates, and all that land would be filled with new song and new laughter. But this pleasant legend did not much affect their daily business" (190). Discuss the history of Lake-town and the beliefs of its inhabitants. What does it mean that they do not take their legends seriously?
2.Compare the attitudes of the men of Lake-town, the Master, and the Elvenking to Thorin's mission. Who is reasonable? Who is silly? Then consider Bilbo's attitude. Keeping in mind that elves are renowned for wisdom, how wise is Bilbo?
3."Some [dwarves] are decent enough people like Thorin and Company, if you don't expect too much" (204). What can Bilbo expect from the dwarves?
4."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" (205). According to this passage, what is true courage? What abilities and character traits does Bilbo have? How do his earlier adventures prepare him for his confrontation with Smaug?
5.Is it wise to steal the cup? Why does Bilbo do it?
6.Describe the characteristics of dragons. What is the dragon-spell? Why are dwarves so susceptible to it? In this and the following chapters, trace the changing effects of the treasure on the dwarves and on Bilbo. (214)
7.Explain the names that Bilbo gives himself when speaking with Smaug: "I come from under the hill. . .I am the clue finder, the web-cutter, the stinging fly. I was chosen for the lucky number," etc. (212-213).
8. What is the most important thing that Bilbo learns about Smaug? What does Smaug learn about Bilbo?
Wrap-up: Read the rest of the book for our next meeting.
Extension: Write your name in Elvish in 10 Minutes
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Week 6
Chapter 13 Not at Home (Smaug's treasure)
1.What does Thorin give Bilbo?
2.Why does Bilbo keep the Arkenstone? (225) Does he have a right to it?
Chapter 14 Fire and Water (Smaug attacks Lake-town)
1.Who is the guard "with a grim voice" (234)?
2.Why do the men of Esgaroth destroy the bridges?
3.Why can Bard understand the thrush? (See pp. 217-218 and 237)
4.Why are the people of Esgaroth angry with Thorin?
5.Characterize Bard and the Master. Who speaks more convincingly? What does their appearance suggest about them? Who has more courage? Who has more
leadership? Do you believe that some people are natural leaders? Can this ability be inherited?
6.Why does the Elvenking set out from his halls? Why does he go to Esgaroth? What does this tell
you about the value he places on treasure?
Chapter 15 The Gathering of the Clouds (Thorin finds out that Smaug is dead)
1. How did Ravenhill get its name?
2. How old is Roac?
3. Is gold worth fighting for? Why won't Thorin deal with Bard and the Elvenking? Evaluate Bard's three topics for discussion (p. 250) and Thorin's answer; note Thorin's complete lack of pity for the Lake-men's distress.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Notes: Taught Spring 2013 for 7th Grade Gifted Pull-out Class
Next School Year: Read the Lord of the Rings Trilogy
Week 7
Chapter 16 A Thief in the Night (Bilbo sneaks away)
1. How does Bilbo leave the Mountain without being caught?
2. What is Bilbo's plan to avoid war?
3. What old friend does Bilbo meet in the camp?
4. Why does Thorin reject Roac's advice? (253-254)
5. Giving up the Arkenstone is Bilbo's noblest moment. Why does he do it? Would any other character in the story be capable of this?
6. Why does Bilbo return to the Mountain after he hands the Arkenstone over to the men and elves?
Chapter 17 The Clouds Burst (The Battle of Five Armies)
1.What terms do Thorin and Bard come to? Read pages 260-262
2.What army makes the first attack?
3.Name the armies in the Battle of Five Armies.
5.Where does Bilbo take his final stand? Why? (269)
6.Contrast Thorin's attitude with the Elvenking's statement "Long will I tarry, ere I begin this war for gold."
7.Which would be a greater evil--the killing of the armies of men, elves, and dwarves by the goblins, or a war between men, elves, and dwarves? Why?
Chapter 18 The Return Journey (After the Battle)
1.Why isn't Bilbo found until the day after the battle?
2.Who turned the tide of the battle?
3.There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West. Some courage ...and some wisdom, blended in measure. If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world" (p. 273). Discuss Bilbo's character now that his adventure is completed. Why does he refuse the treasure? Why is he weary of his adventure?
4.Examine the final views we get of Thorin on his deathbed and in his tomb. (p. 272) Is his quest fulfilled? Is Thorin's death necessary to the story? What lesson does he learn? Does he deserve our respect or admiration?
5.Examine in detail the various demands and offers made by Bard and the dwarves (and the elves). How does the final solution match what each party wants and deserves? What is the difference between Dain's gift and Thorin's promises? (275-276)
_______________________________________________________________________________________________
Week 8
Chapter 19 The Last Stage (Bilbo heads home)
1.Where was Gandalf while the expedition crossed Mirkwood? (280-281)
2.Why are Bilbo's goods being auctioned?
3.What happened to the old Master of Lake-town?
4.Look at the elves' song (pp. 279-80). Describe the character and values of elves.
5."He gained-well, you will see whether he gained anything in the end" (p. 16). " 'My dear Bilbo!'{Gandalf} said 'Something is the matter with you! You are not the hobbit that you were'" (p284). What does Bilbo gain from his adventure? (Don't forget to include the ability and desire to make poetry.) What is the difference in the way his home is dear to him now?
6."'You don't really suppose, do you, that all your adventures and escapes were managed by mere luck, just for your sole benefit'?" (p.286). Then what does manage them?
7.Why is Bilbo pleased that he is "only quite a little fellow in a wide world after all!" (p.287)?
Discuss the difference between the content, rhythms, and music of dwarf-songs (pp. 25, 27, 238, 248) and elf-songs (pp. 57, 279-281).
The Hobbit Movie - Production Diaries
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Week 1
The Hobbit Kickoff: J.R.R Tolkien
Activator: Why do you want to read and discuss the Hobbit?
Mini Lesson: From Book to Vision Video
Student Engagement: Discuss J.R.R Tolkien
Wrap-up:Look up the meanings of the words that you don't know (they show up in the first 3 chapters of The Hobbit)
Vocabulary
audacious (29), rune (32), abreast (32),legendary (34), obstinately (34), prudent (34), remuneration (34), necromancer (37), esteemed (41), paraphernalia (42), applicable (48), drear (55), glade (57), faggot (58), bannock (58), palpitating (60), cleave (61)
Next: Week: Read Chapters 1-3, Jot done questions or ideas that are important to you.
The Hobbit: Free online
An Interactive Map and Timeline of Middle Earth
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Week 2
Chapters 1 - 3 Discussion
Chapter 1. An Unexpected Party (Bilbo's Home)
Chapter 2.Roast Mutton (Trolls)
Chapter 3. A Short Rest (Rivendell & Elrond)
1. What does the word hobbit make you think of? (The possibilities include rabbit, hobby, Babbit,
habit and hob. The word is probably best seen as a blend of rabbit and hob, an obsolete British
word meaning "a rustic, peasant" or "sprite, elf.") 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? Is there any "magic" in this book? (Return to these questions as
the book progresses.)
3. Explain all the meanings of "good morning" (pp. 17-19).
4. What about adventures awakens Bilbo's "Tookish" side (pp. 26-28, 30)? What causes his
"Baggins" side to reemerge (pp. 30, 38)? Is the Baggins side timid or practical? Is the Tookish
side heroic, curious or proud?
5. Even this early in the book, we can see some of the characteristics of dwarves. What are they?
6. What are dragons like (p.35)? As you read on, think about the differences and similarities
between dwarves and dragons.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Week 3
Activator: Maps of Bilbo's Journey: A Slideshare, and A Map of Middle Earth
Mini Lesson and Student Engagement: Chapter 4 - 6 Discussion
Chapter 4. Over Hill and Under Dale (Goblins)
Chapter 5 Riddles in the Dark (Gollum & The Ring)
Chapter 6. Out of the Frying Pan Into the Fire (Saved by Eagles)
1 Bilbo has trouble sleeping and dreams that the floor of the cave is opening up. What is the meaning of this in the story?
2.How many are in Bilbo's party?
3.How are Bilbo and Gollum alike? Can you call Gollum evil?
4.What skills does Bilbo show in dealing with Gollum?
5."No great leap for a man, but a leap in the dark." (p.39 read this aloud) Discuss this quotation with respect to
Bilbo's decision not to kill Gollum, and his newfound courage.
6.Would Bilbo try to rescue the dwarves if they were still inside the Mountains? Would they try to
rescue him?
7. Why doesn't Bilbo tell the dwarves about his ring? Do you consider this lying?
8 .What does it mean for our opinion of Bilbo's courage and prowess that Gandalf, his mentor, must be rescued by the Eagles?
9. How powerful is Gandalf? What sort of magic has he done? What other skills and abilities does Gandalf have?
10. Is this a story about heroism?
Wrap-up: Read 7 through 9, and 10-12 for next week's class
Extension: How to memorize all the names of the dwarves in the Hobbit. Dwalin, Balin, Kili, Fili, Dori, Nori, Ori, Oin, Gloin, Bifur, Bofur, Bombur, and Thorin.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Week 4
Activator: Other than Bilbo, which character from The Hobbit is Your Favorite?
Mini Lesson and Student Engagement: Chapter 7-9 Discussion
Chapter 7 Queer Lodgings (Beorn)
Chapter 8 Flies and Spiders (Spiders)
Chapter 9 Barrels Out of Bond (Capture by Wood Elves & Escape)
1.Compare the expedition's arrival at Beorn's house with the Unexpected Party of Chapter 1. Note that now Bilbo is in on the plot. While both hosts have to be cajoled, it is for very different reasons. What are they?
2.Discuss Beorn's character. What are his virtues? Why is he suspicious of strangers? What about him seems vicious? In what ways is he gentle?
3.Why is it necessary to the story that Gandalf leave the expedition?
4.What heroic acts does Bilbo perform in Chapter 8, Flies and Spiders?
5.Why does Bilbo tell the dwarves about his magic ring? What does his reluctance to do so tell us? What do you think he learns from this?
6.Discuss the ancient feud between dwarves and elves? Whose fault is it? If neither side is in the right, how can you tell the difference between good and evil?
7.Why does the Elvenking imprison the dwarves? Why won't Thorin tell the Elvenking what his mission is?
8.In Chapter 9, after he has escaped from the elves, how does he feel about stealing? Is he a burglar now? (p. 181)?
9.The escape plan from the Elvenking's Halls is completely Bilbo's. How good is it? How much does it depend on luck? Does he deserve this luck?
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Week 5
Chapters 10-12
Chapter 10. A Warm Welcome (Laketown)
Chapter 11. On the Doorstep (Lonely Mountain, The Door)
Chapter 12. Inside Information (Smaug)
1."Some sang too that Thror and Thrain would come back one day and gold would flow in rivers through mountain gates, and all that land would be filled with new song and new laughter. But this pleasant legend did not much affect their daily business" (190). Discuss the history of Lake-town and the beliefs of its inhabitants. What does it mean that they do not take their legends seriously?
2.Compare the attitudes of the men of Lake-town, the Master, and the Elvenking to Thorin's mission. Who is reasonable? Who is silly? Then consider Bilbo's attitude. Keeping in mind that elves are renowned for wisdom, how wise is Bilbo?
3."Some [dwarves] are decent enough people like Thorin and Company, if you don't expect too much" (204). What can Bilbo expect from the dwarves?
4."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" (205). According to this passage, what is true courage? What abilities and character traits does Bilbo have? How do his earlier adventures prepare him for his confrontation with Smaug?
5.Is it wise to steal the cup? Why does Bilbo do it?
6.Describe the characteristics of dragons. What is the dragon-spell? Why are dwarves so susceptible to it? In this and the following chapters, trace the changing effects of the treasure on the dwarves and on Bilbo. (214)
7.Explain the names that Bilbo gives himself when speaking with Smaug: "I come from under the hill. . .I am the clue finder, the web-cutter, the stinging fly. I was chosen for the lucky number," etc. (212-213).
8. What is the most important thing that Bilbo learns about Smaug? What does Smaug learn about Bilbo?
Wrap-up: Read the rest of the book for our next meeting.
Extension: Write your name in Elvish in 10 Minutes
______________________________________________________________
Week 6
Chapter 13 Not at Home (Smaug's treasure)
1.What does Thorin give Bilbo?
2.Why does Bilbo keep the Arkenstone? (225) Does he have a right to it?
Chapter 14 Fire and Water (Smaug attacks Lake-town)
1.Who is the guard "with a grim voice" (234)?
2.Why do the men of Esgaroth destroy the bridges?
3.Why can Bard understand the thrush? (See pp. 217-218 and 237)
4.Why are the people of Esgaroth angry with Thorin?
5.Characterize Bard and the Master. Who speaks more convincingly? What does their appearance suggest about them? Who has more courage? Who has more
leadership? Do you believe that some people are natural leaders? Can this ability be inherited?
6.Why does the Elvenking set out from his halls? Why does he go to Esgaroth? What does this tell
you about the value he places on treasure?
Chapter 15 The Gathering of the Clouds (Thorin finds out that Smaug is dead)
1. How did Ravenhill get its name?
2. How old is Roac?
3. Is gold worth fighting for? Why won't Thorin deal with Bard and the Elvenking? Evaluate Bard's three topics for discussion (p. 250) and Thorin's answer; note Thorin's complete lack of pity for the Lake-men's distress.
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Notes: Taught Spring 2013 for 7th Grade Gifted Pull-out Class
Next School Year: Read the Lord of the Rings Trilogy