Independent+Novel+Study

The Hobbit December 3rd, Pages 11-74


 * Why did you select this novel? **
 * What information did you need to know before reading the novel? **
 * What has happened before the novel began? **

The main reason I selected this novel is that I have heard so many positive things about Tolkiens's fiction, and never actually read any of it. The only thing I knew about it was that has a somewhat 'fantastical' vibe, and it revolves around the story of a hobbit. As this novel begins, the reader is given insight on the protagonist, Bilbo Baggins. Baggins is a hobbit, and as far as hobbits go, he is very relaxed and prefers little excitement. One morning, Baggins is greeted by the wizard 'Gandalf'. He is very well known amongst the residents, but seldom visits the village. He has Baggins in mind for a certain adventure. One that involves stealing. Before he knows it, Gandalf along with his troop of dwarves expects him to help them obtain stolen valuables from the infamous dragon, Smaug. He reluctantly agrees to help them, and they set off on a long journey to the mountains. Along the way, they find themselves without any food or water. Baggins, being the burglar in the group, agrees to search for food up the hill. This results in a very close encounter with some hungry trolls. Luckily, Gandalf arrives just in time to save his Dwarves, who were about to be cooked and eaten. The trolls are turned into stone by the wizard, and the group of them manage to steal some food. Later, Gandalf gains permission for them all to stay with an old friend of his who lives in the mountains. After a run in with some singing elves, and a good long stay at Elrond's home, they once again begin on their journey.

You only seem to answer one of the three questions and the plot outline. 10/10

﻿December 10th, Pages 75-117

When all is looking positive for the characters, Bilbo tumbles into a deep underground cavern. This is unexpected, as they were just escaping from the goblins, after being saved by Gandalf.
 * What plot twists or unexpected events happen as the novel goes on? **

The newest character introduced is Gollum. He is a nasty creature, who has become insane from living underground for so many years. His main purpose is to evoke fear and pity from the reader.
 * Describe any new characters that are introduced? What is their purpose? **

Despite having a somewhat fantastical vibe, the novel is actually quite believable. The way the author words it makes it seem like real life events.
 * Is the novel believable? **

After leaving the Homely House behind by days, the troupe is caught in a terrific thunderstorm. They seek refuge in under a hanging rock, but soon decide it is not safe, given the conditions. Gandalf sends the two youngest dwarves to scope out a better resting place. A little while later, they return, claiming to have found an unoccupied cave. Having no better idea, the group heads to the said cave. All seems fine until Bilbo wakes up in the middle of the night, discovering that a crack has appeared in the stone wall. This ends up being an opening for a horde of goblins, who take Bilbo and the dwarves to their underground lair. The gruesome creatures not only steal their horses, but all their supplies as well. Finally, they are confronted by the head goblin. The goblin is enraged when he finds that Bilbo is carrying the sword that once killed many of his kind. Before they can be hurt, however, and unseen figure slays the giant goblin. Of course, the figure is Gandalf, and he begins to lead them out of the underground. Just as all seems fine, Bilbo and one of the dwarves is caught, and they tumble into blackness. When the hobbit wakes up from a long blackout, he discovers he is in a dark cavern. Not knowing where he is, or being able to see a thing, he picks up a ring from the ground, and places it in his pocket. Across the water, he is spotted by a strange and grotesque creature. The creature, by the name of Gollum makes his way towards Bilbo. In exchange for not eating him, Gollum insists that Bilbo tell him a riddle. Bilbo obliges, and it results in a sort of riddle competition; if Bilbo wins, Gollum will show him the way out, and if Gollum wins, he will eat Bilbo. Bilbo wins after he asks the question, "What is in my pocket." Infuriated, Gollum returns to his island to search for his precious ring. This ring has the power to grant him invisibility. When it isn't there, Gollum screams, and Bilbo makes a run for it. He realizes that the item in his pocket was Gollum's prized ring when the angry creature runs straight past him without knowing it. After a close encounter with some goblins, and another run-in with Gollum, Bilbo escapes with the mystical ring.

10/10

December 20th, Pages 118-209.

The language in the novel is somewhat easy to understand, and does not differ much from the language we use today. At some points, the author does throw in words that an average reader may be unfamiliar with. An example is when the elf king is talking to Thorin. He says "Why did you and your folk three times try to attack my people at their merrymaking?" Words like 'merrymaking' are not commonly used in modern literature, making it potentially difficult to understand for some.
 * Is the language in the novel difficult or easy? GIve examples and explain. **

The author captures interest by building up, and then leaving the reader hanging at the end of each chapter.
 * How does the author get you to read on or hold your interest? **

The story is being told by an unseen narrator. This has a mysterious effect on the story, as the narrator did not accompany them on their journey, but he still seems to know everything.
 * Who is telling the story? How does this person’s perspective effect the way the story is told? **

Bilbo is reunited with the dwarves, and tells them of his encounter with Gollum. Though he does not mention the ring, he suspects Gandalf knew he was hiding it. They continue their journey until they reach an open clearing. Hearing the howl of wolves, they quickly scramble into nearby trees. They are approached by the wolves, or so-called 'Wargs', who begin to talk in a mysterious tongue that only Gandalf can understand. Hearing their plans to leave them to the goblins, he sends flaming pine-cones down own them, causing quite the commotion. This alerts the goblins, and they attack the dwarves, setting the trees in which they sit alight. Just when all hope seems lost, they are rescued by a large eagle. This gargantuan bird turns out to be the Lord of The Eagles, and he presents them with food, and a sleep at his nest. In the morning, he carries them over the valley, far away from the goblins and Wargs. Once again, they find themselves in need of food and rest, so they seek the house of one of Gandalf's family friends. Beorn, the friend, and a shape-shifter eventually welcomes them, and allows them to stay. After many days of rest under Beorn's hospitality, Gandalf departs, and the troupe is left to the deadly forest of Mirkwood. It is a treacherous journey, and there is little life in the darkened forest; except for spiders that is. At one point, Bilbo finds a colony of massive, talking spiders who have his friends in captivity. Luckily, he slips on his ring, and frees them before anything horrible can happen. All seems fine until they realize that Thorin, the head dwarf is missing.

10/10

January 7th, Pages 210-307

When things appear to be at their worst, the dwarves are captured by territorial wood elves. This hinders their journey by a lot, because Bilbo has to think of a way to free them, and when he does, it is highly dangerous.
 * What new things are added to the original problem as the novel progresses? **

**What is the setting of the novel? Is the setting important or could the novel be happening anywhere? Why?** This part of the novel is set in a mountain close to a lake-side town. The setting is integral to the story, as Bilbo & his company must fulfill their prophecy, and Thorin must become "king of the mountain".

J.R Tolkien's 'The Hobbit' seems to be aimed towards a matured audience. This could be anyone from their pre-teens, to adulthood. Although there is no heavy usage of profanity or anything of the sort, it is a thick book, and some of the language may be difficult for children.
 * To what age group is the novel aimed? Support your answer with evidence.**

Upon escaping the spiders, Bilbo and the dwarves encounter some wood elves. The elves accuse them of intruding, and proceed to take them to their master. Luckily, Bilbo slips on his ring and manages to follow them. The dwarves are each imprisoned in a different chamber around the palace, and Bilbo begins his attempt to free them. After discovering Thorin in one of the cells, he releases him, having stolen the key from a sleeping guard. He then proceeds to free the other dwarves as well, and they escape on empty barrels across the river. The next morning they make their way towards town. The inhabitants believe that the dwarves are to fulfill the prophecy of slaying the dragon, and supply them with horses and food to get to the mountain. After days of searching the vast mountain, Bilbo finds the dragon sleeping on a bed of gold and treasure. Seizing the opportunity, he steals a great cup and leaves. When Smaug, the dragon awakens, he is enraged, and believes that the people of lake town aided the intruder. He then sets off to burn their town. Some hours later, Bilbo and company venture into the depths of the cave. What they don't know is that Smaug is never coming back. After being informed of his weak spot by a thrush bird, one of the lake men managed to slay the beast.

10/10 January 11th, Pages 308-365

The climax of the novel is the sequence in which eagles enter battle. At this moment, Bilbo is knocked out by a falling rock, so the excitement dies down significantly afterwards.
 * What is the climax of the novel? **

The arguing dwarves, men and elves come to terms with each other, and work together to fight off the goblins. Also, Thorin reconciles with Bilbo before he dies.
 * How are the major and minor conflicts solved? **

Depending on the friend, I would recommend this book for it's quick pace and original plot.
 * Why would you (or why wouldn't you) recommend this novel to a friend? **

The dwarves take possession of the mountain, and Bilbo finds the Arkenstone (a gem which is highly important to Thorin). Soon the Lake-men and Wood-elves arrive, and request that they get a share of the treasure. Thorin refuses, and summons more dwarves from the Northern mountains. Bilbo attempts to ransom the Arkenstone in order to prevent a war, but Thorin only becomes angry and banishes him. Luckily, Gandalf arrives in time to warn them of approaching goblins and wargs. The dwarves, men and elves agree to join hands in order to fight off the evil forces. Things are looking better for the goblins until Beorn and the eagles come to the rescue. Though Bilbo is wearing the ring the entire time, he is struck on the head by a large rock, and blacks out. Upon his awakening, Bilbo learns that they won the battle, and that he would be heading home soon. Thorin is fatally wounded, but reconciles with Bilbo before his death. Accepting a small portion of the treasure, Bilbo heads back to his homeland accompanied by Gandalf.

8/10


 * Focus Assignment: Plot Outline**

As the title suggests, the word "Hobbit" plays a great role in this story. For those who do not know, a hobbit is a creature small in size, somewhat reminiscent of a man. They are generally timid creatures who prefer not to leave the safety of their own homes. One morning, hobbit Bilbo Baggins encounters Gandalf, a great wizard and sorcerer. The wizard tricks him into hosting dinner for himself and a group of dwarves. The dwarves speak frequently of a vicious dragon by the name of Smaug. They claim that Smaug has stolen valuable dwarf treasures, and lies deep within the Lonely Mountain. Gandalf explains that in order to retrieve the stolen goods, Bilbo's assistance would be needed. Reluctant and confused, Bilbo agrees and comes with them. Along their journey, they evade multiple enemies such as bloodthirsty trolls, angry goblins, and savage wolves. The main conflict lies deep within the Lonely Mountain, however. While the dragon is in rest, Bilbo sneaks in and steals an exquisite goblet. Upon his awaking, Smaug is enraged, and he takes his anger out on the inhabitants of a nearby town. The dragon nearly destroys half the town, but is untimely slain by Bard, a grim bowman. The climactic event in this tale is when the dwarves, elves, men and eagles team together to fight off the evil goblins and wolves. Though most of the dwarves escape this unharmed, Thorin is fatally wounded along with two others.

Generally, I found the story line to be interesting and well-written. Although there are points in which the plot seems vague, I found myself captivated at the end of each chapter. This is mainly because the author will leave a cliffhanger or intriguing quote for effect. Another plus is that the protagonist is very easy to relate to. Just as the average human would be, Bilbo is constantly pondering thoughts of food, and wishes most of all to be in his warm house. After talk of monstrous goblins and dragons, the story rounds off quite pleasantly. Bilbo rides back to his hometown with Gandalf, with little treasure, but still with a heart full of content. Over all, "The Hobbit" is a worthwhile book to read; especially if you enjoy fantasies.

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