The Hobbit Discussion Questions

Chapter 1
1. Why do you think that Gandalf believes that Bilbo is looking for adventure?
2. How do you know that Thorin is the leader of the dwarves?
3. How do you think the dwarves and Gandalf know what is in Bilbo's kitchen?

Chapter 2
1. What indication is there in the note left for Bilbo that the journey may be dangerous?
2. Describe what the trolls look like?
3. What does Bilbo mean when he says "I am a good cook and I cook better than I cook. "?

Chapter 3
1. Why do you think the dwarves and Bilbo are being to feel apprehensive?
2. Why do you think it is foolish to think Elves are foolish?
3. Why does is the message written on the sword not very helpful to the dwarves?

Chapter 4
1. What did Tolkien mean by a thunder battle?
2. How do we know that the cave might not be safe?
3. Why was it fortunate that Bilbo accompanied the dwarves into the cave?

Chapter 5
1. Why do you think Bilbo was frightened when he woke up?
2. Why do you think Bilbo was comforted by finding his dagger?
3. Why do you think Gollum wants the ring so badly?

Chapter 6
1. Why do you think Bilbo lied about having the ring?
2. How might you use the power of the golden ring if you possessed it?
3. Explain the significance of the title of the chapter.

Chapter 7
1. Why do you think that Gandalf can't give them much information on Beorn?
2. Why do you think he tells Bilbo not to mention the word furrier?
3. Why do you think Gandalf summoned the dwarves in small groups rather than all at once?

Chapter 8
1. Explain how Bombur's accident slowed their journey?
2. What kind of transformation does Bilbo undergo?
3. Explain how Bilbo is able to throw so well?

Chapter 9
1. Why are the dwarves unwilling to tell the Wood-elves about their journey?
2. Why doesn't Bilbo like being depended on by everyone else?
3. Describe the final departure from the palace?

Chapter 10
1. Why do you think the Master of the town relinquishes his chair to Thorin even when he is not convince he is who he says he is?
2. Why is the title of the chapter appropriate?
3. Why is Bilbo the only one who is unhappy at the end of the chapter?

Chapter 11
1. Why do you think the men were unable to stay with the dwarves at the base of the mountain?
2. Why do you think the dwarves are losing hope?
3. Why do you think Bilbo had a feeling that something was going to happen?

Chapter 12
1. How do we know that Smaug kept close tabs on his treasure?
2. What analogy does the author use when describing the dragon's rage?
3. What indication is there that Bilbo is turning into a real leader?

Chapter 13
1. Explain the title of this chapter.
2. How does Tolkien use the treasure to put the dwarves in a negative light?
3. Why doesn't Bilbo tell Thorin about finding the Arkenstone?

Chapter 14
1. Why do you think the Elvenking thinks Thorin and the others have died?
2. Why does the King redirect the anger of the crowd away from him and onto the dwarves.
3. Why were the people afraid to go near the carcass of Smaug.

Chapter 15
1. Why does the presence of carrion birds suggest battle is imminent?
2. Why do the Elves and the men want part of the treasure?
3. Why do you think Thorin refuses to share the treasure?

Chapter 16
1. What does Bilbo mean when he says "I may be a burglar but I am an honest one."?
2. What does Gandalf mean when he says " There is always more about you than anyone suspects."?
3. How do you think Thorin will react to Bilbo's actions?

Chapter 17
1. Why doesn't Gandalf think Thorin believe that Thorin is being a good King Under the Mountain?
2. Why must the elves, the dwarves, and the men join together?
3. What made the Goblins and the Wolves turn on the dwarves?

Chapter 18
1. Describe Thorin's final resting place.
2. How do we know that Bilbo was heavily guarded on the way home?
3. Why did Bilbo's efforts for peace still end in failure?

Chapter 19
1. Gandalf tells Bilbo that he is not the hobbit he onced used to be. Do you agree or disagree with this statement? Defend you answer
2. Why do you think some of Bilbo's relatives were unwilling to believe he was alive?
3. How did you like this story? Be detailed in your answer.