The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien


  • Is The Hobbit just for kids? Ruminate on this wonderful snippet from C. S. Lewis' Times Literary Supplement review (2 October 1937) of The Hobbit: 
"For it must be understood that this is a children's book only in the sense that the first of many readings can be undertaken in the nursery. Alice [in Wonderland] is read gravely by children and with laughter by grown-ups; The Hobbit, on the other hand, will be funniest to its youngest readers, and only years later, at a tenth or a twentieth reading, will they begin to realise what deft scholarship and profound reflection have gone to make everything in it so ripe, so friendly, and in its own way so true. Prediction is dangerous: but The Hobbit may well prove a classic."

  • The Hobbit
    • A few discussion questions:
        • How is Tolkien using light and dark imagery as a motif?
        • How does Tolkien use the relationship with nature to show good and evil?
        • How has Bilbo grown into more of a heroic character?
        • The use of epithets is a characteristic of epic poetry. Explain what Tolkien may be trying to convey by Bilbo’s use of epithets to “name” himself. In what other ways does Bilbo remind you of Odysseus in Homer’s Odyssey?
      • We are passing the halfway point this week.  Let's check in on the text:
        • Chapters 6-9 briefly discussed together
        • Chapters 10 (or so) and following through the group assignment below: 
      • Groups
        • We will group ourselves according to our progress in the text.  
        • In your composition books, answer the Beautiful, Good, and True element assigned to you.  You will report back to the class.  Begin by reviewing your chapter (and perhaps chapters immediately surrounding it) in the guide provided (Google Drive). 
        • Composition: Copy down your favorite line or lines from the chapter (copy the complete sentence(s).  Describe the grammar, syntax, and compositional structure employed by the author in this work. Describe any repeating linguistic patterns you've noticed (repeated phrases or words, rhythm, rhyme, sounds).
        • Distinction: How does this author communicate specific images and abstract ideas in ways that other authors do not? Explain.  What are the key images in this chapter?  Which one is the most memorable? Why?

Journal Examples

Opening Chapters of the The Hobbit (italicized when typed and underlined when handwritten: The Hobbit)

  • How do Bilbo Baggins' shire surroundings mirror his personality in the opening chapters of the novel? 
    • Include at least one parenthetical citation. 
    • Length: One paragraph of at least five sentences
  • What do you learn about the dwarves from their treasure song?  
    • Include at least one parenthetical citation. 
    • Length: One paragraph of at least five sentences

Journal: The Hobbit Beautiful, Good, and True Reading Questions
  • Today, in your journal, consider the context of The Hobbit, both of the book and its author. 
  • Using Encyclopedia Britannica, please list ten important contextual notes for the novel and author (five or more notes for each).  
    • The Hobbit 
    • Incorporate 10 vocabulary points into your journal work today
 Essay Examples

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