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Now that you have finished the novel, do you think 'The Hobbit' is a well written story? Why do you think people of all ages continue to read this book 80 years after Tolkien published it? What is its appeal? Would you recommend it to others? Give reasons for your answer, discussing your favourite parts of the novel.

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In the final chapter, Gandalf says to Bilbo: “‘My dear Bilbo!’ [Gandalf] said, ‘Something is the matter with you! You are not the hobbit that you were.’” On reflection, what does Bilbo gain from his adventure? In what ways do you think the whole experience has changed him? What is the difference in the way his home is
dear to him now compared to the way it was dear to him at the beginning of the book? Is it necessary to leave a place before you can truly appreciate it? Can you relate Bilbo’s experiences here to your own life in any way?

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In Chapter 18, Thorin dies after making peace with Bilbo. We also learn that his two nephews - Fili and Kili - have also died in the battle. Given that this is a book primarily aimed at children, does it surprise you that Tolkien decides to kill off these characters? In relation to Thorin: is his quest fulfilled? Is his death necessary? Does Thorin deserve our respect and admiration by the end of the story and is it appropriate that he is buried with the Arkenstone?

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The Battle of the Five Armies rages during Chapter 17. What is the greater tragedy: the killing of the armies of elves, men and dwarves by the goblins or a war between men, elves and dwarves? Ultimately, does war produce any real winner? Explain your answer.

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Has Thorin's character been changed at all by being in Erebor, surrounded by his family's ancient treasure? Is he the same dwarf as he was in Hobbiton?

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Bilbo finds the Arkenstone in Smaug's lair. Why does Bilbo keep it to himself and is he right to keep it from Thorin? What symbolic importance do you think the Arkenstone has for the dwarves? Explain your reasons for the above questions.

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Based on your reading of Chapters 12-14, what is your impression of the dragon, Smaug? Is he as menacing as he has been built up to be? What surprises you about his character?

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By the end of Chapter 9, taking into consideration everything that has happened to the company so far, do you think that the dwarves have treated Bilbo fairly? Why do you think Bilbo remains so loyal to them and what does this say about Bilbo's character?

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Choose ONE of the events that take place between Chapters 7 to 9: a) the meeting with Beorn, b) the encounter with the giant spiders in Mirkwood or c) the escape from the Wood-Elves of Mirkwood in the empty barrels down the river. Write a diary entry based on one of these events from Bilbo's point of view. Use descriptive language and try to imagine how Bilbo and the people around him felt during your chosen event.

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The 'Riddles in the Dark' chapter is a hugely significant one, not just in relation to what happens in 'The Hobbit' but also in relation to events in 'The Lord of the Rings.' Here, we are introduced to the creature Gollum and his precious Ring. In what ways are Bilbo and Gollum alike? What effect does the Ring seem to have on Gollum, particularly when he finds out that he has lost it? Do you have any pity for Gollum?

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Bilbo and the company of dwarves are captured by goblins are brought to Goblin-town, where the Great Goblin-King, pictured below, rules over his subjects. How are the goblins portrayed differently by Tolkien, in appearance and behaviour, in comparison to how he portrays the elves and dwarves? Have you heard of the term 'goblin' before? If so, in what context?

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The company find refuge at the "Last Homely House" known as Rivendell, the home of Lord Elrond and the elves. What is the difference between the way Bilbo and the dwarves react to Rivendell? How does Elrond feel about their quest to reclaim Erebor and what significant things does he have to say about the dwarves? Based on your reading of this chapter, what values are important to the elves and how are they different from the dwarves?

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Pay close attention to the way that Tolkien uses the presence and absence of Gandalf to develop both the plot (storyline) and the character of Bilbo. Why is it important that Gandalf is not present when the company of dwarves and Bilbo encounter the trolls? What changes are emerging in Bilbo's character in contrast to how he came across at the beginning of Chapter One?

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Tolkien introduces us to the wizard Gandalf the Grey and the 13 dwarves in the opening chapter - briefly discuss your expectations for the story now that Tolkien has brought these characters into the story so soon. What do you predict will happen?

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This novel is classified as a fantasy book. Conduct some research on the fantasy genre in literature. Can you find any other examples of fantasy books? In your opinion, why is the fantasy genre so popular with readers?

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In Chapter One, Tolkien spends a lot of time describing hobbits and their history. Why is this important for the reader to have this information? What is your opinion of hobbits and Bilbo Baggins in particular?