Literary Adventure discussion

Attention: Hobbits & Hobbites

The Hobbit Discussion Questions!

1.Begin paying close attention to the way that Tolkien uses the presence and absence of the character of Gandalf to develop both the plot and the character of Bilbo Baggins. Why is it important that Gandalf is not present when the expedition meets the trolls?


2. What does Tolkien tell us about goblins? Why do you think he does not give specific details about their appearance? Discuss what you think goblins look like, and explain which details in the book give you that idea.

3.How would you describe the character traits of the dwarves? Why doesn't Bilbo tell them about his ring at first? What do you think might have happened if he had told them?

4.Why does Bilbo tell the dwarves about his magic ring? What does his reluctance to do so tell us?

5. Bilbo is pleased that he is "only quite a little fellow in a wide world after all!" Why is this a comforting perspective? How does viewing oneself as a small part of a larger whole impact the way a person interacts with the world around him?

6.Why didn’t Tolkien just end the book after the battle? What is the purpose of devoting two chapters to Bilbo’s return? How do these chapters help develop the character and/or important themes?