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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. Why is the magic ring unable to protect the wearer from the wargs?
2. Which troll catches Bilbo in Chapter 2?
3. What colors of flame does Gandalf use to drive the wolves back with?
4. What does Bilbo take from the trolls' hoard of loot?
5. How does Bilbo kill the spiders who have captured the dwarves in their webs?
Short Essay Questions
1. Why do the adventurers take shelter in the cave in Chapter 4?
2. 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.
3. Why does Gandalf instruct the dwarves to arrive two by two at five-minute intervals?
4. Why do the goblins take the adventurers prisoner, and what fate do the goblins intend for them?
5. Explain in your own words the history behind the the dwarves' quest for the dragon's treasure. Use details from the dwarves' song and Thorin's story in your answer.
6. Summarize in your own words how the trade between the Wood Elves and the men of Laketown operates.
7. Describe in your own words how the riddle contest between Bilbo and Gollum was played and what the winner of the contest would win.
8. What advice do Beorn and Gandalf give to Bilbo and the dwarves about the journey through Mirkwood?
9. Why does Bilbo arrive at the Green Dragon without a hat, walking stick or handkerchief, or anything else for the journey?
10. 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?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
According to Joseph Cambell's classic analysis of myths, quests and adventure stories (Hero with a Thousand Faces), the classical or archetypal pattern for a mythological quest or adventure is as follows:
1 The call to adventure. The hero usually finds a helper at this stage.
2. The hero crosses the "threshold of adventure."
3. The hero faces various tests and receives magical aid that will help him achieve his quest.
4. The hero faces the final test, which can be the theft of an important talisman, elixir or object.
5. The hero faces another challenge before bringing peace, prosperity, or some other boon to humanity.
Using this outline, does The Hobbit fit the archetypal pattern of a quest adventure? What events and incidences fit into what part of the pattern? Are any parts of the pattern omitted? Does The Hobbit contain any events or incidents that do not fit the pattern?
Essay Topic 2
In the action of The Hobbit, Bilbo changes from being a soft and timid hobbit to being a character of wisdom and courage. Several key events and incidents go towards changing and developing him. Identify at least three of these "turning points" and explore each one. For each "turning point," explain what the turning point was and how it changed Bilbo in some way, or how it marked a milestone in Bilbo's development.
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.
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This section contains 2,090 words (approx. 7 pages at 300 words per page) |
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