The Hobbit

Question 1

Protagonist

Answer 1

Bilbo Baggins

Question 2

Dragon

Answer 2

Smaug

Question 3

Wizard

Answer 3

Gandalf

Question 4

Leader of Dwarfs

Answer 4

Thorin Oakenshield

Question 5

Elf

Answer 5

Elrond

Question 6

Bowman

Answer 6

Bard the Bowman

Question 7

Gollum

Answer 7

Gollum

Question 8

Theme: Greed, Trust, Fellowship

Answer 8

In The Hobbit, nearly all major characters, both heroes and villains, are driven by a desire for unnecessary material possessions. Smaug’s greed is so extreme that he notices when Bilbo steals a single cup from his vast treasure. Similarly, the dwarves, though seeking to reclaim their rightful property from Smaug, become obsessed with treasure, refusing to help repair the town Smaug destroys. The wood-elves also desire a portion of the dwarves’ riches, and Tolkien does not clarify who is right, emphasizing that both sides are flawed by greed. Even Bilbo, usually indifferent to wealth, shows moments of greed, such as when he takes Gollum’s ring and the Arkenstone.

Tolkien suggests that everyone has some greed, but the key is to control it with reason and self-discipline. Bilbo, for example, is content with a smaller portion of treasure than promised, and the dwarves, elves, and men ultimately overcome their greed by uniting to defeat common enemies. Thorin renounces his greed on his deathbed, realizing that treasure is meaningless in the afterlife. Greed isolates characters like Smaug, Gollum, and Thorin, and also divides races. Only through trust, cooperation, and self-sacrifice can communities rebuild and prosper, as seen when the races unite against a common enemy.

Question 9

Theme: Heroism

Answer 9

In The Hobbit, Tolkien explores traditional fantasy tropes, including the hero, but redefines heroism throughout the story. Bilbo Baggins, the protagonist, begins as a reluctant hero, fitting an old literary archetype. Early on, heroism is portrayed as larger-than-life combat skill, but Tolkien complicates this view by showing that true heroism requires a blend of bravery, cleverness, and skill with words. Characters who excel only in one area, like Gollum with wordplay or the dwarves with combat, often fail in their endeavors.

As the story progresses, Bilbo develops heroic traits, demonstrating bravery, wit, and some combat skill. He uses his cleverness to solve riddles with Gollum and bravely sneaks into Smaug’s lair. However, Bilbo is not a typical warrior, often hiding during battles. Other characters like Bard, who kills Smaug, excel in combat but lack Bilbo’s cleverness and diplomacy.

Tolkien suggests that no single character fully embodies heroism. Instead, true heroism emerges through cooperation, as seen when Bilbo and Bard work together to kill Smaug, and when dwarves, elves, and men unite in the Battle of the Five Armies. Heroic achievements, therefore, are a collective effort rather than the result of one individual’s prowess.

Question 10

Symbol: The Ring

Answer 10

In The Hobbit, the ring symbolizes the corrupting influence of wealth and power, similar to earlier epic stories like Richard Wagner’s Ring Cycle and the Nibelungenlied. Bilbo finds the ring under the Misty Mountains just before meeting Gollum, who has been corrupted by it, living a lonely, miserable life underground. Like other characters in the story—such as Thorin, whose obsession with the Arkenstone reflects this theme—Gollum is consumed by the ring’s power. In contrast, Bilbo remains relatively unaffected by the ring, as he shows little interest in treasure or power, perhaps due to his innocence.

Question 11

Author and date

Answer 11

J.R.R. Tolkien wrote The Hobbit and it was first published on September 21, 1937