Our book for discussion tonight is The Hobbit. Here are the discussion questions:
- What is the most appealing aspect of the book: the setting, the story, the characters, or the language?
- What is the main purpose of the journey that Bilbo takes with the dwarves? What convinces him to go?
- Is Bilbo a classical hero figure? How does he change during the quest? How do the dwarves’ attitudes toward him change?
- What other characters are heroes or have heroic qualities in this book?
- How are Bilbo and Gollum alike? What is Gollum?
- Where do humans fit in among the other races of Middle-Earth? Are humans a good race? How are the other races in the book portrayed?
- What is your favorite adventure in this book?
- Why does Bilbo tire of his adventure? Why is he pleased to be “only quite a little fellow in a wide world after all?”
- How does Tolkien’s lighthearted tone impact the more serious elements of the plot?
- Explain how The Hobbit can be read as both a children’s book and an adult novel.
- How does this book compare to the trilogy that follows it?
- How would you compare or contrast this book with the Narnia tales? Which do you like better? Why?
Inspired to read Lord of Rings series now! Really enjoyed Hobbit. Nice site, Josh. Z
ReplyDeleteIt was a very nice read again. I've read this book at least twenty times and it's still as good as the first time I read it. In some ways better because as I grow it has grown.
ReplyDeleteKnow anyone like Bilbo? I think my husband is a lot like Bilbo, aside from stature and furry feet of course!:)