The Hobbit: Discussion Questions

Discuss the development of Bilbo Baggins’ character. What causes the changes in his character?

Bilbo is a hobbit and the protagonist of the novel. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to him as someone who likes to lead a comfortable life, with good food and his pipe. He belongs to a wealthy and respectable family and does not like to venture out. However, he is forced by Gandalf to participate in an adventure with the dwarves. The journey that he undertakes brings about a change in him. From being nervous and unsure of himself, Bilbo becomes confident and independent. The dwarves who were doubtful of his capabilities at the start of the journey begin to look at him as their leader. Not only does Bilbo become brave and courageous, he also exhibits qualities such as compassion and empathy. Bilbo becomes aware of the futility of war and desires peace to prevail among everyone.

The quest for treasure and riches is central to the plot of The Hobbit, and the novel is filled with references to gold, silver, and jewels. In your opinion, what does the novel say about material wealth? Use examples from the text to support your analysis.

The quest is an important theme in the novel. Thorin and the dwarves want to reclaim the treasure that belonged to their ancestors. The quest gives them a purpose in life and they are determined to be successful there. To start with, they all exhibit greed. Even Bilbo goes and steals the Arkenstone because he thinks he deserves it for all that he has done for the group.

Thorin and Smaug symbolise greed in the novel. They are willing to wage a war for the treasure. However, as the journey progresses, Bilbo understands the importance of peace and harmony over gold and jewels. He gives his Arkenstone to Bard so that he can negotiate with Thorin. On his deathbed, even Thorin acknowledges that the world would be better if it had more people like Bilbo.

At the end of the quest, Bilbo rejects his share of the treasure saying he has no need for it.

Discuss The Hobbit as a quest story. What is Bilbo searching for? What success does he have in finding it? What does his success, or lack of it, mean for him and others?

The Hobbit is inspired by epics and ancient texts such as Beowulf; however, the hero in this instance is an ordinary man. At the start of the journey, Bilbo is unsure about it and his role in it. He did not consent to participating in it but was forced to do so by Gandalf. Although Bilbo loves the comfort of his hobbit-hole, he has a latent streak of adventure in him that he inherited from his mother. This journey helps Bilbo discover qualities in him that he did not know existed.

Through this physical journey, Bilbo gains confidence and becomes fearless and independent. He faces beasts and other challenges. He can think about others and not just about himself. Bilbo learns the importance of friendship and peace over jewels and war. Bilbo becomes a role model for others, who look up to him for leadership. Thorin, too, admits that people like Bilbo make this world better for the rest.

As far as self-discovery is concerned, Bilbo is successful.

The Hobbit is an adventurous tale involving danger, evil creatures, battle, and death. Yet, the overall tone of the novel is not dark or frightening. What kind of tone does Tolkien establish in the novel, and how does he maintain this tone?

Although The Hobbit entails dark elements such as thefts, deaths, and wars, it maintains its light tone. Tolkien creates a fantasy world with good and evil creatures, but it never lets the tale get too gory or grim. He uses humor to diffuse the situation. Further, the use of fantasy and songs in the narrative makes it less frightening.

The tone remains light and casual, and he beckons the readers to not take things so seriously. The author makes frequent jokes at the characters’ expense to lighten the mood.

Tolkien writes the novel as a children’s story, thereby keeping the tone fun.

Thorin is the official leader of the dwarves, but by the end of the novel even he is looking to Bilbo as a leader. Using specific examples from the text, discuss how Thorin acts as a foil to Bilbo.

Thorin is the leader of the dwarves and the treasure belonged to his ancestors. All the dwarves, including Thorin, were unsure about Bilbo’s capabilities to begin with. However, after Bilbo’s successful encounter with Gollum, they all begin to trust him and look at him as their leader. Later, when he reminds them about the prophecy about Durin’s Day and saves them from spiders, they trust him even more.

Thorin and Bilbo are quite different from each other. Thorin always wanted to go on this quest for the treasure. Bilbo, on the other hand, is reluctant to undertake the journey but is forced by Gandalf to agree to it. His journey, unlike that of Thorin, is not so much about the treasure as it is about self-discovery. Further, he decides to give up his treasure in favor of peace and harmony. Unlike Thorin, Bilbo wants to protect his people from the ravages of war.