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. In Chapter 12, who volunteers to come some of the way down the tunnel with Bilbo?

2. What is the full name of the grim-faced man who habitually predicts disasters like floods and poisoned fish?

3. What skills or interests does the Master have that have made him the ruler of Laketown?

4. What wound has Gandalf sustained during the Battle of the Five Armies?

5. What does Thorin take as armor and weapons from the hoard of Smaug's treasure?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the dwarves' original plan or strategy?

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

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

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

6. How is Bilbo able to take and hide the Arkenstone without the dwarves knowing?

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

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

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

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

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

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 3

The relationships between major characters often changes within the plot of a novel. Describe how the relationship between Bilbo and the other dwarves, particularly Thorin, changes throughout this novel. What events cause these changes in their relationship?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,654 words (approx. 6 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample