Concordia Preparatory School 8th Grade Summer Reading Assignment: The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien
Purchase a copy of The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien. Barnes & Noble in Towson has ordered additional copies for our students, but you may acquire your novel wherever you like. Bring the book and this completed assignment to school on the first day.
As you read, take notes on the characteristics of each of the types of creatures mentioned in the novel. Complete the chart on the last page.
Answer each of the following questions in complete sentences using legible handwriting. You may type the answers on a separate sheet of paper.
Chapter 1: An Unexpected Party
1. How many dwarves come to tea? What are their names?
2. What two things does Galdalf give Thorin?
3. How did the dwarves lose their treasure and kingdom?
4. What does Gandalf threaten to do if the assembled dwarves refuse to accept his choice of Bilbo Baggins as the fourteenth man for their expedition?
Chapter 2: Roast Mutton
5. What are the terms of Bilbo's contract? 6. What does Bilbo attempt to do and how is he caught?
7. Explain what happens to the dwarves as they come to Bilbo's aid, and how they are rescued.
8. What do the dwarves take from the trolls’ hoard? What do Gandalf and Thorin each take from the cave?
Chapter 3: A Short Rest
9. Describe Rivendell’s setting, inhabitants and master of the house.
10. How are the dwarves and Bilbo prepared for their journey while they are staying at Rivendell?
11. How does Elrond feel about the dwarves’ love of gold and dragons?
12. What and when is Durin’s Day?
Chapter 4: Over Hill and Under Hill
13. Describe how the attitudes of Bilbo and the dwarves has changed since they have left Rivendell and proceeded on their journey.
14. How does Bilbo’s dream come true? Who manages to escape?
15. What is Thorin’s reply when asked by the Great Goblin where they are going and why they are passing through the mountains?
16. Why does Thorin’s sword make the goblins angry? How are they saved from the goblins’ rage?
Chapter 5: Riddles in the Dark
17. What does Bilbo find that eventually turns out to be “a turning point in his career”?
18. What kind of creature lives in the dark, underground water? What is his name, and what nickname does he call himself?
19. What does the creature agree to do if he loses the riddle contest?
20. What amazing power does the ring seem to provide its wearer?
Chapter 6: Out of the Frying Pan Into the Fire
21. What caused Bilbo’s reputation with the dwarves to improve?
22. Explain the danger the Wargs pose to Bilbo, Gandalf and the dwarves.
23. How does Gandalf help them escape, and how do the Wargs retaliate?
24. Who saves Gandalf? Who saves the rest of the party?
Chapter 7: Queer Lodgings 25. What does skin-changer mean? What animal and name is associated with this skin-changer?
26. Although Gandalf says it is safe to stay at Beorn’s home for the night, what does he tell the dwarves and Bilbo they must not do?
27. What does Beorn discover that finally makes him consider the dwarves, Bilbo and Gandalf his friends?
28. Why does Beorn warn them to stay away from the “black and strong” stream? What other piece of advice does Beorn offer?
Chapter 8: Flies and Spiders
29. Describe the conditions that Bilbo and the dwarves endure as they travel through the forest. Explain why they don’t choose to build a fire to keep warm at night.
30. What effect does falling into the water have on Bombur? How must he now travel?
31. What happens to the dwarves and Bilbo as they sleep, and how are they saved?
32. What secret does Bilbo finally reveal to the dwarves? Why does he tell them his secret?
33. Why do the Wood-elves dislike the dwarves?
Chapter 9: Barrels out of Bond 34. Identify four offenses the Wood-elves charge Balin with committing.
35. How does Bilbo get the keys to unlock the dwarves?
36. How does Bilbo get the dwarves out of the Wood-elves stronghold? What is the weak point in this plan?
Chapter 10: A Warm Welcome
37. What did some believe caused the earthquakes?
38. The men of the village sometimes sing songs of Thror and Thrain coming back one day. What will happen, according to these songs, when Thror and Thrain return?
39. What do the dwarves intend to do as this chapter closes? Why is the Master surprised by this?
Chapter 11: On the Doorstep
40. Balin shows the group “all that is left of Dale” as they pass by an area where “the grey ruins of ancient houses, towers and walls.” How does Balin describe Dale as it used to be?
41. How do Bilbo and the dwarves finally find and open the door?
Chapter 12: Inside Information
42. What chore does Thorin suggest Bilbo complete to “earn his Reward”? Who joins Bilbo in this task?
43. How does the dragon notice Bilbo when he sneaks back to the lair?
44. How does Bilbo manage to escape, and what are the consequences for his actions?
Chapter 13: Not at Home
45. Which item does Bilbo decide he would choose for his fourteenth of the treasure? Based on what you already know, why might this pose a problem?
46. How are the dwarves guided toward the exit of the mountain, the Front Gate?
47. Once the company is at rest, what is the one topic of conversation that they keep discussing?
Chapter 14: Fire and Water
48. How do the townspeople prepare for the battle with Smaug?
49. Describe the battle and explain how Smaug is defeated.
50. Who do the townspeople choose as king? Why?
The Hobbit: Creatures of Tolkien’s Middle-Earth
List at least three characteristics or qualities for each of the following creatures Tolkien mentions in the novel. These do not have to be written in complete sentences. The creatures are listed in the order they are first mentioned in the novel. The first one is done for you as an example.
1. hobbits
enjoy eating; they are usually fat don’t like adventures have hairy feet with leathery soles and don’t wear shoes
2. dwarves
3. trolls
4. High Elves
5. Gollum
6. Wargs
7. Wood-elves