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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. Which of the following does Bard not use as a reason why the dwarves should share the treasure with the people of Laketown?

2. What do the dwarves of the Iron Hills wear that is their special technological secret?

3. Why is Bard astonished when the thrush lands on his shoulder?

4. What animals or creatures can be found near the doorstep?

5. Why is the King of the Wood Elves wiser than the men of Laketown?

Short Essay Questions

1. What can be deduced about the dragon from the steam and smoke coming out from the Front Gate?

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

3. Why does Smaug laugh when Bilbo tells him that revenge is one of the motives of their quest?

4. Why does only the Black Arrow shot by Bard manage to kill Smaug while all other arrows are harmless?

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

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

7. What are the five armies involved in the Battle of the Five Armies?

8. Upon what does Bard the Bowman base his claim to a share of the dragon's treasure?

9. What dreams or legends do the Lakemen have regarding the King Under the Mountain and Smaug?

10. Explain the meaning of the ambiguous or riddling answers Bilbo gives to Smaug to avoid revealing his name to the dragon (and thus giving the dragon power over him)?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

When an author has a large number of characters involved in most of the action of the plot and usually appearing as a group, giving individuals within that group can be difficult. How has Tolkien managed to make the dwarves into distinct characters? Are any of the dwarves "undistinguished" and lacking in individuality?

Essay Topic 3

Many locations are described within the world of The Hobbit. Where would you most like to live in this world and why? Are there any disadvantages or downsides of living in the place you have chosen?

Choose from one of the following possible locations:

1. Hobbiton

2. Rivendell

3. Beorn's house

4. Laketown

5. The palace of the Elvenking

(see the answer keys)

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