The Lord of the Rings Discussion Group
Objective: To think critically and deeply about the book, and to communicate clearly.
Day 4: November 5, 2013
Activator: What do you know about "the ring" so far?
Mini Lesson: Lord Acton and Power
1. Based on Tom Bombadil's response to Frodo's question, "Who are you, Master?" on Goldberry's earlier description of him as "the Master of wood, water, and hill," and on his appearance and behavior, who--or what--would you say he is? Why is he important to the hobbits' success?
2. We are told that "there is a seed of courage hidden . . . in the heart of the fattest and most timid hobbit, waiting for some final and desperate danger to make it grow." In what ways does this become evident of Frodo, Sam, and the other hobbits?
3. Frequently in myths and legends, waking from sleep or donning new clothes indicates that the hero has reached a new level of knowledge, strength, skill, or courage. When does this kind of incident occur in The Lord of the Rings?
4. What do you think Strider means when, speaking of the Dark Riders, he tells the hobbits, "You fear them, but you do not fear them enough, yet." How is it possible to not fear something or someone enough?
5. After being wounded in his fight with the Black Rider, Frodo realizes "that in putting on the Ring he obeyed not his own desire but the commanding wish of his enemies." How can the Ring make someone act against his own interests and in the interests of his enemies? What other instances are there of characters acting against their own best interests?
6. Who or what is "the Enemy"? How are the Enemy's powers and limitations revealed? What counter-powers do Frodo and his companions wield against the Enemy? Where do these counter-powers come from?
7. What special (unsuspected) qualities and talents does Sam Gamgee reveal as the journey continues?
8. Why is Aragorn known by so many names; where does he come from; what are his strengths and weaknesses; and what is his importance? What is the significance of his being "descended through many fathers from Isildur"? Why doesn't he claim the Ring?
9. Saruman advises Gandalf that their best choice would be to join with the "new Power" that is rising so "to direct its course, to control it." To what extent is the main theme of The Lord of the Rings power, its uses and abuses, and its consequences?
10. Gandalf says that "the power of Saruman is still less than fear makes it." How can this be so? How does fear magnify an adversary or a problem?
Wrap-up:
How do Elrond's comments at the end of Book Two, Chapter II, apply to the quest on which the Company is about to embark? "The road must be trod, but it will be very hard. And neither strength nor wisdom will carry us far upon it. This quest may be attempted by the weak with as much hope as the strong. Yet such is oft the course of deeds that move the wheels of the world: small hands do them because they must, while the eyes of the great are elsewhere." What examples from your own world and the world at large can you think of when great deeds have been done by "small hands"?
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Day 3: October 29, 2013
Activator: Who is your favorite character so far? Why? Write down your answers.
Mini Lesson: Sharing parts of the story.
Student Engagement: Discussion
1. How does Frodo learn of the Enemy and the rebuilding of the Dark Tower in the Land of Mordor? (42)
2. Who is Saruman the White? (47)
3. What has Gandalf been doing during the seventeen years following Bilbo’s disappearance? (49)
4. Who was Sméagol, and who has he become? (51)
5. Why does Frodo so readily agree with Gandalf’s advice that he go to Rivendell? (63)
6. Why does Gildor say to Frodo, “I name you Elf-friend”? (82)
7. Why is it important that Sauron not be allowed to gain possession of the One Ring? How can he be prevented from acquiring it?
8. Is the Ring itself evil and destructive, or may its powers be used for good or evil, depending on the moral character of its bearer?
9. What is the significance of Gollum’s having been a hobbit before acquiring the Ring? How can greed, envy, and other vices—especially when associated with an object of great beauty or value—so transform someone?
10. How would you explain Sam’s determination to stay with Frodo no matter what? How would you explain the change in him as a result of meeting and talking with the Elves?
11. What qualities do Sam, Pippin, and Merry possess that make them suitable companions for Frodo on his journey?
12. “We are horribly afraid,” Merry tells Frodo, “but we are coming with you.” Why do Merry, Sam, and Pippin overcome their fears and accompany Frodo?
Wrap-up: Next time, choose a favorite passage from the story to share with the class. Also...a website with the full text of the books online: www.readanybook.com
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Day 2: October 15, 2013
Activator: What is a hobbit?
Mini Lesson: Read some quotes from the prologue and Chapter 1(page 15, page 41, page 42, page 49)
Student Engagement: Discussion
1. Who is Bilbo? Who is Frodo?
2. How would you describe the hobbits’ way of life and the main characteristics of their appearance and behavior? How are they different from us, and how are they similar? When you finish the book, ask yourself the same question.
3. As you read, be aware of details of history and geography. How does Tolkien create a sense of a real world with real landmarks and a real history?
4. We are told that Gandalf’s “real business was far more difficult and dangerous” than working with fire. As you read, what do you discover Gandalf’s real business to be, and why is it dangerous?
5. Why is it important that Bilbo give up the Ring to Frodo? Why does he have so much difficulty doing so?
6. Why is Gandalf so concerned about the Ring and its effects on the person who possesses it? Why doesn¹t he tell Bilbo straight out what the Ring can do to him?
Wrap-up: How does Chapter1 end?
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Day 1: October 8, 2013
Activator: What do you know about the author, Tolkien, or the stories: The Hobbit or The Lord of the Rings? What is Middle Earth?
Mini Lesson: Watch Creator of Middle Earth Documentary
Student Engagement: Discussion
Wrap-Up: Hand out Syllabus and Reading Schedule
Extension: Explore Interactive map and timeline of Middle Earth
Questions and Vocabulary Lists:
Fellowship of the Ring
The Two Towers
The Return of the King
Day 4: November 5, 2013
Activator: What do you know about "the ring" so far?
Mini Lesson: Lord Acton and Power
1. Based on Tom Bombadil's response to Frodo's question, "Who are you, Master?" on Goldberry's earlier description of him as "the Master of wood, water, and hill," and on his appearance and behavior, who--or what--would you say he is? Why is he important to the hobbits' success?
2. We are told that "there is a seed of courage hidden . . . in the heart of the fattest and most timid hobbit, waiting for some final and desperate danger to make it grow." In what ways does this become evident of Frodo, Sam, and the other hobbits?
3. Frequently in myths and legends, waking from sleep or donning new clothes indicates that the hero has reached a new level of knowledge, strength, skill, or courage. When does this kind of incident occur in The Lord of the Rings?
4. What do you think Strider means when, speaking of the Dark Riders, he tells the hobbits, "You fear them, but you do not fear them enough, yet." How is it possible to not fear something or someone enough?
5. After being wounded in his fight with the Black Rider, Frodo realizes "that in putting on the Ring he obeyed not his own desire but the commanding wish of his enemies." How can the Ring make someone act against his own interests and in the interests of his enemies? What other instances are there of characters acting against their own best interests?
6. Who or what is "the Enemy"? How are the Enemy's powers and limitations revealed? What counter-powers do Frodo and his companions wield against the Enemy? Where do these counter-powers come from?
7. What special (unsuspected) qualities and talents does Sam Gamgee reveal as the journey continues?
8. Why is Aragorn known by so many names; where does he come from; what are his strengths and weaknesses; and what is his importance? What is the significance of his being "descended through many fathers from Isildur"? Why doesn't he claim the Ring?
9. Saruman advises Gandalf that their best choice would be to join with the "new Power" that is rising so "to direct its course, to control it." To what extent is the main theme of The Lord of the Rings power, its uses and abuses, and its consequences?
10. Gandalf says that "the power of Saruman is still less than fear makes it." How can this be so? How does fear magnify an adversary or a problem?
Wrap-up:
How do Elrond's comments at the end of Book Two, Chapter II, apply to the quest on which the Company is about to embark? "The road must be trod, but it will be very hard. And neither strength nor wisdom will carry us far upon it. This quest may be attempted by the weak with as much hope as the strong. Yet such is oft the course of deeds that move the wheels of the world: small hands do them because they must, while the eyes of the great are elsewhere." What examples from your own world and the world at large can you think of when great deeds have been done by "small hands"?
______________________________________________________________________________________
Day 3: October 29, 2013
Activator: Who is your favorite character so far? Why? Write down your answers.
Mini Lesson: Sharing parts of the story.
Student Engagement: Discussion
1. How does Frodo learn of the Enemy and the rebuilding of the Dark Tower in the Land of Mordor? (42)
2. Who is Saruman the White? (47)
3. What has Gandalf been doing during the seventeen years following Bilbo’s disappearance? (49)
4. Who was Sméagol, and who has he become? (51)
5. Why does Frodo so readily agree with Gandalf’s advice that he go to Rivendell? (63)
6. Why does Gildor say to Frodo, “I name you Elf-friend”? (82)
7. Why is it important that Sauron not be allowed to gain possession of the One Ring? How can he be prevented from acquiring it?
8. Is the Ring itself evil and destructive, or may its powers be used for good or evil, depending on the moral character of its bearer?
9. What is the significance of Gollum’s having been a hobbit before acquiring the Ring? How can greed, envy, and other vices—especially when associated with an object of great beauty or value—so transform someone?
10. How would you explain Sam’s determination to stay with Frodo no matter what? How would you explain the change in him as a result of meeting and talking with the Elves?
11. What qualities do Sam, Pippin, and Merry possess that make them suitable companions for Frodo on his journey?
12. “We are horribly afraid,” Merry tells Frodo, “but we are coming with you.” Why do Merry, Sam, and Pippin overcome their fears and accompany Frodo?
Wrap-up: Next time, choose a favorite passage from the story to share with the class. Also...a website with the full text of the books online: www.readanybook.com
__________________________________________________________________________________
Day 2: October 15, 2013
Activator: What is a hobbit?
Mini Lesson: Read some quotes from the prologue and Chapter 1(page 15, page 41, page 42, page 49)
Student Engagement: Discussion
1. Who is Bilbo? Who is Frodo?
2. How would you describe the hobbits’ way of life and the main characteristics of their appearance and behavior? How are they different from us, and how are they similar? When you finish the book, ask yourself the same question.
3. As you read, be aware of details of history and geography. How does Tolkien create a sense of a real world with real landmarks and a real history?
4. We are told that Gandalf’s “real business was far more difficult and dangerous” than working with fire. As you read, what do you discover Gandalf’s real business to be, and why is it dangerous?
5. Why is it important that Bilbo give up the Ring to Frodo? Why does he have so much difficulty doing so?
6. Why is Gandalf so concerned about the Ring and its effects on the person who possesses it? Why doesn¹t he tell Bilbo straight out what the Ring can do to him?
Wrap-up: How does Chapter1 end?
________________________________________________________________________________________
Day 1: October 8, 2013
Activator: What do you know about the author, Tolkien, or the stories: The Hobbit or The Lord of the Rings? What is Middle Earth?
Mini Lesson: Watch Creator of Middle Earth Documentary
Student Engagement: Discussion
Wrap-Up: Hand out Syllabus and Reading Schedule
Extension: Explore Interactive map and timeline of Middle Earth
Questions and Vocabulary Lists:
Fellowship of the Ring
The Two Towers
The Return of the King