The Hobbit: Summary

The Hobbit is about a brave and adventurous hobbit named Bilbo Baggins who goes on an epic quest with a group of dwarves. Along the way, he meets many strange creatures, overcomes obstacles, and discovers hidden treasures. The main themes of the book are courage, friendship, loyalty, and self-discovery. Throughout his journey, Bilbo learns to face his fears and persevere in order to accomplish his mission. He also learns that true friends are loyal and willing to help one another in times of need. Finally, he discovers his own inner strength and courage, which he uses to overcome the various challenges he encounters.

1. What is your overall opinion of Bilbo Baggins as a character?
2. How does Tolkien's worldbuilding in The Hobbit differ from that of the Lord of the Rings trilogy?
3. Do you think that Tolkien was successful in conveying the moral messages he wanted to get across?
4. How do you think the themes of home and belonging are expressed in The Hobbit?
5. Do you think that the characters have changed by the end of the story?
6. How does the presence of magic shape the events of The Hobbit?
7. What do you think is the significance of Smaug's death for other characters in the novel?
8. What do you make of Gandalf's relationship with Thorin and his companions?
9. In what ways do you think The Hobbit has influenced popular culture today?
10. How effective were Tolkien’s descriptions of Middle Earth in creating an immersive experience for readers?

• The Hobbit brilliantly captures the essence of a classic fantasy adventure, with a light and humorous touch.
• Tolkien's vivid descriptions of Middle Earth and the characters who inhabit it bring the story to life in a truly captivating way.
• Bilbo Baggins is an excellent protagonist who serves as a relatable and lovable everyman character.
• The novel offers a unique exploration of themes such as courage, loyalty, and friendship.
• The inclusion of so many memorable creatures, from Trolls to Goblins to Dragons, adds to the novel's exciting atmosphere.
• The narrative is surprisingly complex and thought-provoking, despite its relatively short length.
• The Hobbit is a masterful example of world-building, which clearly demonstrates Tolkien's immense talent as an author.
• It's fascinating to compare the different cultures and societies throughout Middle Earth and how they interact with one another.
• The book raises interesting questions about morality and personal responsibility that are relevant even today.
• While intended for fantasy readers of all ages, The Hobbit contains elements that can be enjoyed by adults as well as children.

1. "It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to."
2. "Go back?” he thought. “No good at all! Go sideways? Impossible! Go forward? Only thing to do! On we go!”
3. "Far over the misty mountains cold, To dungeons deep and caverns old, We must away ere break of day, To find our long forgotten gold."
4. "Deserves it! I daresay he does. Many that live deserve death. And some that die deserve life. Can you give it to them?"
5. "If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world."

1. The Hobbit (1977 animated film) 2. The Lord of the Rings (1978 animated film) 3. The Hobbit (2003 live-action television series) 4. The Hobbit (2012–14 three-part live-action film series) 5. The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2013 video game) 6. The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies (2014 video game) 7. BBC Radio 4 adaptation (1968) 8. BBC Radio 5 adaptation (1988) 9. Big Finish Audio Drama Series (2015 - ) 10. The Rocky Mountain Radio Theatre Company's production of The Hobbit (1995)

• The Lord of the Rings
• The Silmarillion
• Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth
• The History of Middle-earth series
• Tree and Leaf
• Smith of Wootton Major