The Hobbit

Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

“A Memoir”

In this activity, students will create several memoir pages utilizing the point of view of one of the main characters while incorporating textual evidence and demonstrating in-depth character and thematic understanding.

At the end of the novel, Bilbo uses his adventure as the basis of his personal memoir, There and Back Again—A Hobbit’s Holiday.

Choose one of the main characters in the novel—Thorin, Gandolf, or Bilbo—and write a short memoir detailing their journey. Consider the requirements below:

• Describe a minimum of 3 main plot points.
• Incorporate specific quotes from the text.
• Write from a first-person perspective.
• Show the development of at least one of the themes in your memoir: The Importance of Friendship and Companionship, Duty as a Governing Moral and a Guiding Force, and/or The Sustaining Love of Home and Family.

Once the memoir pages are complete, share one portion of your memoir aloud with the class. Alternatively, view and read classmates’ memoirs as a gallery walk. As you read other writers’ memoirs, use a sticky note to comment on the effectiveness of the memoir’s plot points, voice, and theme incorporation.

Teaching Suggestion: It may help to share some memoir mentor texts to your students to help model the structure of the writing. This library guide provides a few examples.

Differentiation Suggestion: For a more visual approach, students might create a title and cover design for their memoir that matches the nuances of the character, plot points, and main themes of the novel.

Paired Text Extension: “If” by Rudyard Kipling

Read Rudyard Kipling’s poem “If.” After reading, create a poem utilizing the same “If” structure focusing on Bilbo and his growth.

• Include 4-6 “If” statements in 2 stanzas (culminating in a shorter poem than Kipling’s).
• For each “If” statement, refer to a specific plot point in the novel and/or conflict.
• By the end of the poem, the reader should be able to tie the “If” statements to one of the main themes in the novel.

Teaching Suggestion: Prior to writing the poem, it may help to allow students to brainstorm main plot points and conflicts from the novel and connect each to a main theme.

Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay.

Differentiation Suggestion: For English learners or struggling writers, strategies that work well include graphic organizers, sentence frames or starters, group work, or oral responses.

Scaffolded Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the bulleted outlines below. Cite details from the text over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. Thorin is a strong secondary character in the novel.

• Which 3 character traits of Thorin’s best embody the theme Duty as a Governing Moral and A Guiding Force? (topic sentence)
• Identify at least 3 narrative points and/or conflicts involving Thorin that best support your topic sentence. Discuss and analyze each point in relation to the idea duty as a guiding force.
• In your concluding sentence(s), critique Thorin’s actions regarding duty, assessing the extent to which his traits represented positive morals and values.

2. After meeting Gollum, Bilbo possesses the One Ring throughout the rest of the novel.

• How does the One Ring act as a symbol of corruption and temptation in the novel? (topic sentence)
• Summarize the impact of the One Ring on Bilbo and his fellow travelers. Examine at least 3 examples in which the One Ring affects Bilbo, the dwarves, or Gollum in support of your topic sentence.
• In your concluding sentence(s), evaluate the overall effectiveness of the One Ring as a symbol for greed and corruption in the novel.

3. The kind of quest Bilbo undertakes is often referred to as a Hero’s Journey.

• How does Bilbo transform from a timid hobbit to a hero over the course of the story? (topic sentence)
• Determine which narrative points best demonstrate Bilbo’s character arc and rise toward heroism. Try to represent the beginning, middle, and end of the story. Discuss and analyze each example in support of your topic sentence.
• In your concluding sentence(s), briefly explain how Bilbo’s arc best connects to one of the themes.

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least three main points supported by textual details, and a conclusion.

1. The dynamics of friendship and companionship are evident among the dwarves in Thorin’s company. How does friendship as a theme influence their quest? In a 3- or 5-paragraph essay, describe and explain how the dwarves’ individual personalities and backgrounds contribute to the group dynamic. Incorporating cited quotations and paraphrased narrative points, analyze specific moments that highlight the strengths and weaknesses of their bonds.

2. Consider the main challenges and flaws of primary characters Thorin, Bilbo, and Gandolf. In a 3- or 5-paragraph essay, identify each of the character’s main flaws utilizing cited textual evidence, quotes, and paraphrases. For each flaw, provide a narrative point that demonstrates this character trait; discuss how the flaw impacts the general themes of the novel. In your conclusion, justify how each character does (or does not) support the main themes of love and friendship despite (or because of) their flaws.

Multiple Choice and Long Answer Questions create ideal opportunities for whole-text review, exams, or summative assessments.

Multiple Choice

1. What is the main purpose of the dwarves’ quest?

A) To find the One Ring and save their village

B) To destroy the One Ring in Mordor

C) To save the Shire from Sauron

D) To claim their kingdom under the Lonely Mountain

2. Why does Bilbo initially not want to attend the quest?

A) As a hobbit, he prefers a simple life without conflict.

B) He dislikes Gandolf and his missions.

C) He disagrees with their purpose for the quest.

D) He has already agreed to other responsibilities.

3. Which of the following best compares Bilbo and Thorin?

A) Bilbo is sneaky and quiet, while Thorin is loud and boisterous.

B) Bilbo is timid and filled with self-doubt, while Thorin is stubborn and self-assured.

C) Bilbo is a leader, while Thorin is a follower.

D) Bilbo dislikes the group, while Thorin enjoys the company.

4. Which statement best describes Gandolf’s role in the party’s quest?

A) Gandolf is the main, ever-present leader.

B) Gandolf is primarily hands off and never gets involved.

C) Gandolf is a wise, enigmatic guide to the party.

D) Gandolf fights against the party’s best interests.

5. Which of the following is the best depiction of Friendship and Companionship in the novel?

A) Bilbo helps the dwarves escape through barrels from the elves.

B) Thorin tells Bilbo to leave while he can when Bilbo presents the Arkenstone.

C) Gandolf asks Bilbo to join the quest.

D) Bilbo writes his memoir about his adventures with the dwarves.

6. How might Gollum be considered foreshadowing regarding Bilbo’s increasing greed?

A) Gollum attempts to steal the Arkenstone from Bilbo.

B) Gollum demonstrates obsession and greed with the One Ring.

C) Gollum greedily takes Bilbo’s money in exchange for the One Ring.

D) Gollum is killed for attempting to steal from the dwarves.

7. Which of the following symbols best reflects fellowship, friendship, and camaraderie?

A) The One Ring

B) The Arkenstone

C) The Meals

D) The Treasure

8. Which of the following quotes best relates to the theme The Sustaining Love of Home and Family?

A) “I go now to the halls of waiting to sit beside my fathers, until the world is renewed.” (Chapter 18)

B) “You are more worthy to wear the armor of elf-princes than many that have looked more comely in it.” (Chapter 16)

C) “Bilbo found he had lost more than spoons—he had lost his reputation.” (Chapter 19)

D) “There are no safe paths in this part of the world. Remember you are over the Edge of the Wild now, and in for all sorts of fun wherever you go.” (Chapter 7)

9. “‘Why, O why did I ever leave my hobbit-hole!’ said poor Mr. Baggins bumping up and down on Bombur’s back.” (Chapter 4). To which of the following themes does this quote best relate to?

A) Duty as a Governing Moral and a Guiding Force

B) The Sustaining Love of Home and Family

C) The Importance of Friendship and Companionship

D) The Warnings of Corruption and Greed

10. Which statement best describes how Bilbo changes throughout the novel?

A) Bilbo begins as timid, then becomes bold, only to grow timid again by the end.

B) Bilbo begins as bold and adventurous only to become fearful by the end.

C) Bilbo begins as selfish and greedy only to be peaceful and loving by the end.

D) Bilbo begins as fearful and home-bound only to become braver by the end.

11. When conversing with Smaug, how does Bilbo manipulate the dragon?

A) He uses the One Ring to cause Smaug to fear him.

B) He appeals to Smaug’s arrogance and pride.

C) He lies to Smaug, claiming to be part of the ancestral lands.

D) He pretends to have the Arkenstone in order to bargain.

12. What can best be inferred by Bilbo’s escape from the trolls?

A) Bilbo is naturally fearless.

B) Bilbo has powerful sleuthing abilities.

C) Bilbo possesses courage and resourcefulness.

D) Bilbo strongly desires to avoid all adventures.

13. Which of the following instances best matches the theme The Sustaining Love of Home and Family?

A) Thorin’s quest to regain control under the Lonely Mountain

B) Bilbo’s increasing value to the party

C) Gandolf’s impeccable ability to save the party

D) Bard’s desire for the mountain’s treasure

14. “Bilbo longed to escape from the dark fortress and to go down and join in the mirth and feasting by the fires. Some of the younger dwarves were moved in their hearts, too…” (Chapter 15). Which of the following themes does this quote best resemble?

A) Duty as a Governing Moral and a Guiding Force

B) The Importance of Friendship and Companionship

C) The Sustaining Love of Home and Family

D) The Dangers of Corruption and Greed

Long Answer

Compose a response of 2-3 sentences, incorporating textual details to support your response.

1. How do the dynamics of friendship and companionship among the dwarves shape the narrative of The Hobbit, and what are the key moments that highlight these dynamics?

2. What is the primary determining factor for Bilbo’s decisions on his quest? Provide your rationale.