Text Complexity Analysis of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

Qualitative Measures QuaQualitativentitative Measures Measures

Levels of Meaning/Purpose: This book has multiple meanings and purposes. Set The Hobbit has a Lexile measure of 1000L. It also is within the text complexity band in a created world, The Hobbit focuses on the quest of Bilbo, a simple hobbit, who between the 6th-8th grades. The complex themes and length of the book would wanted to be allowed to stay that way, but is drawn into the hostile world of dwarves, indicate the higher level reading skills are needed to successfully and fully orcs, evil spiders, and many other serious dangers. The story can be taken literally, understand the material. but also as a commentary on societal issues such as abuse of power.

Structure: Told from a third-person, omniscient narrator who knows all and even knows aspects of the characters’ futures, it follows the quest in a chronological order, but does go into flashbacks to give the background of dwarves and elves. Reader-Task Considerations

Language Conventionality and Clarity: The narration is sometimes in more sophisticated and complex sentence structures. Tolkien uses a lot of imagery, Potential Challenges this Text Poses: The created languages can be complicated figurative language, diction, syntax, etc. There is also a lot in the created languages for some students to grasp, as well as the deeper meanings attached to the theme of of the hobbits, dwarves, and elves. abuse of power can be hard to grasp in this age group.

Knowledge Demands: There are many themes in the novel such as the theme of quest that is deepened by the allusion to the search for the Holy Grail. Also, the theme of uses of power makes students contemplate personal, moral, and ethical struggles within the novel as well as the Industrial Era.

Recommended Placement

The quantitative measures suggest placement in the 6th-8th grade level text complexity band, the qualitative measures and reader and task considerations suggest that the novel is best placed at the 6th-8th grade complexity band.