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

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is the first dwarf to arrive at Bilbo's house in Chapter 1?

2. What is the name of Gandalf's cousin?

3. What does Bilbo see at nightfall as they travel towards Mirkwood?

4. Where were Glamdring and Orcrist originally forged?

5. What does Thorin use as a weapon against the trolls in Chapter 2?

Short Essay Questions

1. What do we learn about the goblins and their intentions from the song they sing while dragging the dwarves and Bilbo down to the Great Goblin?

2. Summarize in your own words how the trade between the Wood Elves and the men of Laketown operates.

3. How do the dwarves and Bilbo manage to escape from the goblins?

4. How does Bilbo react when he sees Gollum between him and the way out and why?

5. Retell the events of Chapter 6 in your own words from the point of view of the Lord of the Eagles.

6. Why does Bilbo decide to go with the dwarves and declare himself to be willing to join the adventure?

7. Why are the wargs (wolves) in the woods that night in Chapter 6?

8. Describe in your own words how the riddle contest between Bilbo and Gollum was played and what the winner of the contest would win.

9. In Chapter 9, Bilbo becomes a successful burglar for the first time. Name some of the things he steals, how he does so, and what obstacles he has to overcome.

10. Why does Bilbo arrive at the Green Dragon without a hat, walking stick or handkerchief, or anything else for the journey?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Are any stereotypes or cliches used in The Hobbit? If so, what are they? If not, what are some things that make The Hobbit fresh and original?

Essay Topic 3

Fantasy stories and quests often tell of the struggle between good and evil. How are good and evil characterized in The Hobbit?

Part 1: Identify the characters that are defined as being good. What are the attitudes, beliefs and actions of characters that are considered to be good?

Part 2: Identify the characters that represent evil. What are the attitudes, beliefs and actions of these characters?

Part 3: Is the divide between good and evil clear-cut, or are there some characters that are mixed (e.g. a good character shows some characteristics that are bad)? Give details.

(see the answer keys)

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