English 3720
Guide Questions

THE HOBBIT

Chapters 1-3
1. Why do you think Tolkien gives such a detailed description of the Hobbit's hole in the second paragraph? I. e. What purpose does the description serve?
2. What do we learn about attitudes and values of hobbits in the first few pages of the novel?
3. What is the importance of Belladonna Took in the story?
4. What do we learn about Gandalf at the start of the story?
5. Why is Bilbo chosen by Gandalf to go on the Dwarves' adventure?
6. What is motivating the Dwarves' to go on the adventure? What are their values and attitudes at this point?
7. What kind of "magic" does Gandalf use to defeat the Trolls and rescue the party? Why does it work?
8. How are the two maps at the beginning of the book related to one another?
9. What is important about the party's stay with the elves?
10. Name similarities and differences between dwarves and hobbits, including their relation to elves.