Chapter 1

Synopsis
An Unexpected Party:

Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit, lives a quiet life in his

hobbit-hole at Bag End. One day, Gandalf the
wizard visits Bilbo and marks his door. The next
day, thirteen dwarves arrive, led by Thorin
Oakenshield, seeking to recruit Bilbo for their
adventure to reclaim their homeland and treasure
from the dragon Smaug.

Questions
1. Describe Bilbo Baggins' character and his life before
the dwarves arrive. Include a quote.
2. How does Bilbo react to the arrival of the dwarves and
the proposal of the adventure?
3. How do the Dwarves react to Bilbo being selected?
Explain
4. Find 3 quotes that tell the reader Bilbo is being pushed
out of his comfort zone.
 Chapter 2
Synopsis
Roast Mutton:
Bilbo reluctantly joins the dwarves on their
journey. They encounter trolls who capture them.
Bilbo attempts to pickpocket the trolls but is
caught. Gandalf arrives just in time to save them
by using a trick to turn the trolls to stone.

Questions
1. How does Bilbo feel about joining the adventure at the
beginning of this chapter? Include a quote
2. Describe the encounter with the trolls. How does Bilbo
try to help?
3. What role does Gandalf play in their escape from the
trolls?
4. How does Bilbo show bravery when dealing with the
trolls? Explain and include a quote to support your
answer.
 Chapter 3
Synopsis
A Short Rest:
The company reaches Rivendell, where they rest
and meet Elrond. Elrond examines the map of the
Lonely Mountain and provides important
information about the moon-letters.

Questions
1. What are moon-letters, and why are they important?
2. In what ways do the dwarves and Bilbo show trust in
Gandalf’s guidance to Rivendell?
3. How does Bilbo’s decision to continue the journey
despite his fears demonstrate personal bravery?
Include a quote.
 Chapter 4
Synopsis
Over Hill and Under Hill:
The group faces challenges crossing the Misty
Mountains and is captured by goblins. They
manage to escape but become separated from
Gandalf.

Questions
1. How do the adventurers escape from the goblins?

2. How does Tolkien create a sense of danger and

suspense? Include a quote.

3. How does the group’s escape from the goblins illustrate

the importance of teamwork and trust?

4. In what ways does Bilbo challenge himself and show

courage during this encounter? Include a quote.
 Chapter 5
Synopsis
Riddles in the Dark:
Bilbo finds himself alone and encounters Gollum,
a strange creature who challenges him to a game
of riddles. Bilbo wins and escapes using Gollum’s
magical ring.

Questions
1. Describe Gollum and his dwelling.

2. How does Bilbo outsmart Gollum? What does this

reveal about his character?

3. What is the importance of the ring that Bilbo finds?

4. How does Bilbo show courage in facing Gollum alone?

Include a quote.

5. What role does Bilbo’s trust in his own abilities play in

his success?
 Chapter 6
Synopsis
Out of the Frying-Pan into the Fire:
Bilbo reunites with the dwarves and Gandalf, but
they are soon pursued by goblins and Wargs. They
are rescued by eagles who carry them to safety.

Questions
1. Who rescues the company from the Wrags, and how do
they do it?

2. What does this chapter reveal about the relationships

among the characters? Include a quote.

3. How does the group’s reliance on Gandalf and the

eagles highlight the importance of trust and loyalty?

4. In what ways does Bilbo continue to show bravery in

this chapter? Include a quote.
 Chapter 7
Synopsis
Queer Lodgings:
The company seeks shelter with Beorn, a shape-
shifter who can transform into a bear. Beorn
provides them with supplies and advice for their
journey through Mirkwood.

Questions
1. What advice does Beorn give about Mirkwood?

2. How does the group’s ability to gain Beorn’s trust

demonstrate the theme of friendship and loyalty?

3. How does Bilbo’s willingness to face new challenges

show his growing bravery? Include a quote.
 Chapter 8
Synopsis
Flies and Spiders:
The company enters Mirkwood and faces
numerous challenges, including giant spiders.
Bilbo uses the ring to rescue the dwarves from the
spiders.

Questions
1. How does Bilbo demonstrate his growing courage and
resourcefulness in this chapter?

2. How do the dwarves' feelings towards Bilbo change

after this adventure? Add a quote.

3. How does Bilbo’s rescue of the dwarves highlight the

importance of friendship and loyalty?

4. In what ways does Bilbo challenge himself to overcome

his fears in this chapter? Include a quote.
 Chapter 9
Synopsis
Barrels Out of Bond:
The company is captured by wood elves and
imprisoned. Bilbo uses the ring to help them
escape by hiding in barrels that are sent down the
river.

Questions
1. Why are the dwarves captured by the wood elves? How
does Bilbo plan and execute the escape?

2. How does this chapter illustrate Bilbo’s leadership

abilities? Add a quote

3. How does the group’s escape from the wood elves

highlight their trust in Bilbo? Add a quote.
 Chapter 10
Synopsis
A Warm Welcome
The company arrives in Lake-town (Esgaroth) and
is warmly received. They prepare for the final leg
of their journey to the Lonely Mountain.

Questions
1. How do the inhabitants of Lake-town react to the
arrival of Thorin and his company?

2. In what ways does Bilbo show courage in facing the

upcoming challenges? Add a quote.
 Chapter 11
Synopsis
On the Doorstep
The company reaches the Lonely Mountain and
searches for the hidden door. With the help of the
key and the map, they manage to open the door.

Questions
1. What challenges do they face when trying to find the
hidden door?
2. Discuss the theme of perseverance as it appears in this
chapter.
3. How does the group’s cooperation in finding the
hidden door demonstrate the importance of friendship
and trust? Add a quote.
4. In what ways does Bilbo’s determination to find the
door show his stregnth of character? Include a quote.
 Chapter 12
Synopsis
Inside Information
Bilbo enters the Lonely Mountain and encounters
Smaug, the dragon. He converses with Smaug and
manages to steal a cup. Bilbo discovers a weakness
in Smaug’s armor.

Questions
1. How does Bilbo use his wit during his conversation
with Smaug?

2. How does Bilbo’s brave actions inside the mountain

highlight his growth as a character? Add a quote.

3. In what ways does the trust the dwarves place in Bilbo

become evident in this chapter? Add a quote.
 Chapter 13
Synopsis
Not at Home
With Smaug gone, the company explores the
treasure hoard. Thorin lays claim on the
Arkenstone, and they prepare for the possible
return of Smaug.

Questions
1. How does Bilbo’s view of the treasure differ from the
dwarves'?

2. How does the group's unified efforts in securing the

treasure illustrate the importance of friendship and
loyalty? Include a quote.

3. In what ways does Bilbo show courage in his decisions

regarding the treasure? Add a quote.
 Chapter 14
Synopsis
Fire and Water
Smaug attacks Lake-town, but Bard, a bowman,
kills the dragon with an arrow aimed at the weak
spot Bilbo discovered. The townspeople begin to
rebuild and seek a share of the treasure.

Questions
1. In what ways do the townspeople’s cooperation
demonstrate the importance of trust and loyalty? How
do Bilbo and the Dwarves contribute to or challenge
these values?
 Chapter 15
Synopsis
The Gathering of the Clouds
The people of Lake-town and the wood elves
march towards the Lonely Mountain to claim a
share of the treasure. Thorin fortifies the
mountain and refuses to share the wealth.

Questions
1. What are Thorin’s arguments for keeping the
treasure?
2. How does Bilbo feel about the impending conflict? Add a
quote.

3. How does Thorin’s refusal to share the treasure

challenge the trust and loyalty within the group?
 Chapter 16
Synopsis
A Thief in the Night
Bilbo sneaks out and gives the Arkenstone to Bard
and the elves as a bargaining tool to avoid conflict.
He returns to the mountain, feeling conflicted
about his actions.

Questions
1. What difficult decision does Bilbo make in Chapter 16,
and how does this decision demonstrate his courage?
Include a quote.

2. How does Bilbo’s act of giving up the Arkenstone

contrast with Thorin’s attitude towards the treasure, and
what does this reveal about their respective characters?
Include a quote.
 Chapter 17
Synopsis
The Clouds Burst
The Battle of Five Armies ensues as various groups
clash over the treasure. Thorin is mbadly injured
and seeks to reconcile with Bilbo before it’s too
late!

Questions
1. What does Bilbo’s refusal of a large portion of the
treasure indicate about his character? Include a quote.

2. Discuss the themes of heroism and sacrifice in this

chapter. Inlcude a quote.
 Chapter 18
Synopsis
The Return Journey
Bilbo returns home, reflecting on the journey and
the friends he made. He declines a portion of the
treasure and heads back to the Shire.

Questions
1. What is the significance of Thorin’s reconciliation
with Bilbo? Inlcude a quote.

2. How have Bilbo’s relationships with the dwarves

evolved by the end of the journey? Include a quote.

3. In what ways does Bilbo’s journey demonstrate the

importance of challenging oneself? Include a quote.
 Chapter 19
Synopsis
The Last Stage
Bilbo returns to the Shire, finding his home and
possessions being auctioned off! He reclaims his
home but realizes that he has changed and is no
longer the same hobbit who left.

Questions
1. How does the Shire react to Bilbo’s return?

2. How has Bilbo changed as a result of his adventure?

Include a quote.

3. How does Bilbo’s new perspective on life reflect the

importance of challenging oneself? Include a quote.