The Hobbit Study Guide

Chapter 1 - An Unexpected Party

1. Define the following vocabulary words from this chapter:

flummoxed -

audacious -

conspirator -

remuneration -

necromancer -

2. Identify each of the following places described in this chapter.

The Hill - The Water - The Mountain -

3. What do hobbits usually look like?

4. Why are the Bagginses considered to be respectable hobbits? Define “Tookish.”

5. Briefly identify Gandalf. What does Bilbo Baggins remember from his childhood about

Gandalf?

6. Originally written as a children’s story, The Hobbit is full of humor. Find an example of

humor when Bilbo tries to have a conversation with Gandalf.

7. Why does Gandalf want a burglar rather than a hero or a warrior to accompany the dwarves on

this adventure?

8. How many dwarves arrive at Bilbo’s home? How does he tell them apart?

9. Who is Thorin? What is the significance of Thorin’s key and his map?

10. Briefly identify Smaug and list the general characteristics most dragons have in common.

11. What is the importance of the town of Dale?

12. This story is mainly told by a Third-Person Narrator. The narrator is recording the actions of

the story, but occasionally the narrator or author breaks away from the story to speak directly to

the reader. Find an example of Tolkien doing this.

13. 5-sentence summary of this chapter:

The Hobbit Take-Home Quiz

Chapter 2 - Roast Mutton

1. Define the following vocabulary words from this chapter.

toothsome -

purloin –

cavalcade -

rune -

2. What two items does Bilbo forget in his rush to meet the dwarves at the Green Dragon Inn?

3. How does Bilbo manage to sneak up on the trolls? Why does Bilbo decide to try to pick the

trolls’ pockets?

4. What do you think about the fairness of Thorin’s decision to send Bilbo to investigate the

light? What indications are there that the dwarves do or do not care about Bilbo’s well-being?

5. Find an example of slapstick comedy in this chapter. (Slapstick is a type of broad physical

comedy involving exaggerated, boisterous actions, farce, violence and activities which may

exceed the boundaries of common sense.)

6. 5-sentence summary of this chapter: