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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. What is the weak point in Bilbo's plan of escape from the elves?

2. Where are the elves hiding when they sing nonsense songs to welcome the adventurers to Rivendell?

3. Which dwarf has a smoke-ring blowing competition or game with Gandalf?

4. What special ability does Beorn have?

5. What does Bilbo find on the floor in Chapter 5?

Short Essay Questions

1. What significant turning point in Bilbo's personal development occurs during the events of Chapter 8, and how does it change Bilbo?

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

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

4. Describe Beorn in your own words.

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

6. What does Bilbo discover about his sword and how does he discover this?

7. Why do the goblins take the adventurers prisoner, and what fate do the goblins intend for them?

8. What good luck do the adventurers have while they are staying in Rivendell that is likely to prove vital to their quest?

9. What are some natural features that serve as defenses for Rivendell, both in the way of putting hazards in the path of potential attackers and for hiding/camouflaging Rivendell?

10. What advice do Beorn and Gandalf give to Bilbo and the dwarves about the journey through Mirkwood?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In his essay on "fairy stories" (what we would call fantasy stories) called "On Fairy-Stories," Tolkien claimed that all good fairy tales contain what he calls a "eucatastrophe," a moment or "turn" of victory, success and climax that gives the listener/reader a sharp pang of joy and consolation, along with the knowledge that all will be well in spite of the hardships that have gone before.

What is the moment of "eucatastrophe" in The Hobbit? Describe it in detail and explain why you think that it is the turn and climax of the action.

Essay Topic 2

The contrast between light and darkness is often used as a symbol of the contrast between good and evil. Does The Hobbit use this symbolism so that light always represents or symbolizes good while darkness always represents or is associated with evil? Give examples to illustrate your answer.

Essay Topic 3

Song and poems are often significant in The Hobbit. Choose two of the songs or poems that you believe to be particularly important and explain their significance in detail. Ways that a song or poem can be significant may include foreshadowing, revealing character, developing a theme or explaining background.

(see the answer keys)

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