View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What advice does Roac give to Thorin about the Lakemen?

2. How does Bilbo know that the gem he stumbles across is the Arkenstone?

3. Which dwarf is not present on the Doorstep when the door is finally opened?

4. Why do the people of Lake-town destroy the bridges as a defense against the onslaught of the dragon?

5. What treasures are placed on Thorin's body and/or tomb when he is buried?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the cause of most of the casualties resulting from Smaug's attack on Esgaroth (Laketown)?

2. How does Bilbo's attitude differ from that of the dwarves in Chapter 9?

3. What advice does Roac the raven give to Thorin in this Chapters 15 & 16?

4. Why does Bilbo give the Arkenstone to Bard the Bowman?

5. What reconciles the forces of the men and elves, and the dwarves in Chapter 17?

6. How is the treasure divided after the battle is won in Chapter 17?

7. Describe what the Master of Laketown is like in your own words.

8. Why does Bombur remain in the lower camp with the ponies and supplies in Chapter 11?

9. How do Bilbo and the dwarves know that they have successfully found the secret entrance into the mountain?

10. Why does Thorin refuse to share the treasure with Bard and his allies and treat them with hostility?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Tolkien presents the elves, and in particular the Elvenking, as being Good People. Considering the character of the Elvenking, do you think Tolkien has succeeded in portraying the Wood Elves as good or likable characters? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

In his original drafts of The Hobbit, Tolkien planned for Bilbo to be the one to kill Smaug, using his magic ring and his elvish sword. However, in the final version, Smaug is killed by Bard the Bowman as he harries the town of Esgaroth (Laketown). Why do you think Tolkien made this decision? Would his original idea been a better resolution of the plot and why?

Essay Topic 3

Bilbo's character is described as having a "Baggins" side and a "Tookish" side, both of which struggles for dominance inside him.

Part 1: Describe Bilbo's "Baggins" part of his nature.

Part 2: Describe the "Tookish" side of Bilbo's nature.

Part 3: Choose an incident (apart from the start of the book) where the two sides of his nature seem to be in conflict. Which side wins?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,543 words (approx. 6 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample