The Hobbit Questions on Bilbo Baggins

The Hobbit

In J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins undergoes significant character development from a comfort-loving hobbit to a brave adventurer. Initially, Bilbo is depicted as a conventional hobbit,...

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The Hobbit

In The Hobbit, Bilbo introduces himself to Smaug using a series of riddles and titles. He calls himself "Barrel-rider," "Luckwearer," "Web-cutter," "Stinging Fly," "Ring-winner," "Clue-finder," and...

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The Hobbit

The major conflicts in The Hobbit include external conflicts such as the dwarves and Bilbo versus Smaug, as well as encounters with spiders, trolls, goblins, Gollum, wargs, and adverse weather....

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The Hobbit

In The Hobbit, Bilbo gives the Arkenstone to Bard and the Elves to help negotiate peace and prevent war between dwarves, men, and elves. Thorin's obsession with the Arkenstone and his greed threaten...

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The Hobbit

Bilbo reveals Smaug's weak spot by flattering the dragon into showing off his belly. In chapter 12 of The Hobbit, Bilbo uses praise to make Smaug feel invincible, prompting the dragon to roll over...

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The Hobbit

Bilbo exhibits several key skills when dealing with Gollum, including bravery, resilience, and adaptability. He maintains his composure in a frightening situation, uses traditional knowledge to solve...

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The Hobbit

Gandalf says Bilbo is as fierce as a dragon in a pinch to reassure the dwarves of Bilbo's hidden potential and courage. Gandalf, knowledgeable about hobbits and a keen judge of character, believes in...

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The Hobbit

In the first chapter, Bilbo does not explicitly ask Gandalf to go on an adventure. Instead, Gandalf cleverly interprets Bilbo's polite excitement about Gandalf's past adventures as a request for one....

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The Hobbit

Gandalf comes to the home of Bilbo Baggins to convince Bilbo to join the dwarves on their trip to Lonely Mountain to defeat Smaug the dragon. He chooses Bilbo because he believes that he has...

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The Hobbit

A strong thesis for The Hobbit should present an argument, such as analyzing a character or theme. For instance, "Although Bilbo is not initially an ideal hero character, he absolutely becomes worthy...

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The Hobbit

After the spider attack in The Hobbit, the dwarves' attitude toward Bilbo changes significantly. They gain a newfound respect for him, recognizing his bravery and resourcefulness in rescuing them....

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The Hobbit

Bilbo rescues the dwarves in The Hobbit using his wit and the magical ring he found. He first saves them from giant spiders by distracting the creatures and freeing the dwarves from webs. Later, he...

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The Hobbit

Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit, is about three feet tall, without a beard, and has brown, curly hair and brown eyes. Initially, he is stout but becomes leaner and more muscular by the end of his journey....

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The Hobbit

Fear aids Bilbo by compelling him to confront challenges and grow throughout his journey. Initially, Bilbo is averse to adventure, but his fear prompts him to act bravely, such as when he faces...

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The Hobbit

Bilbo Baggins possesses several skills and abilities that make him an effective member of the Dwarves' expedition. His small stature and quiet movement make him a natural burglar, while his...

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The Hobbit

Bilbo's near betrayal of the dwarves, and his disobeying of Gandalf's instructions are clear examples of an individual acting for the good of all characters. This shows Bilbo's moral courage and has...

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The Hobbit

Bilbo Baggins's actions in The Hobbit highlight both strengths and weaknesses. His adaptability and cleverness are evident when he uses the ring and his sword, "Sting," to defeat spiders in Mirkwood....

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The Hobbit

The secret door appears when a thrush knocks and the last light of Durin's Day reveals the keyhole, as decoded from moon letters by Elrond. The dwarves couldn't predict this event because the...

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The Hobbit

Understanding the source of this change helps us to understand the nature of hobbits. We have seen that although Bilbo is a Hobbit, he certainly has a propensity for adventure and a desire to...

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The Hobbit

The Tooks and Bagginses are distinguished by their attitudes toward adventure. The Bagginses are seen as respectable and predictable, embodying a life without surprises or adventures, which aligns...

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The Hobbit

Bilbo's contract with the dwarves outlines that he will receive up to one-fourth of the total profits upon successful completion of the quest, with all travel and potential funeral expenses covered....

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The Hobbit

Bilbo Baggins undergoes significant changes in his character throughout the story. One pivotal event is when he rescues the dwarves from spiders in Chapter 8, showcasing his independence and...

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The Hobbit

During his adventure in The Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins experiences a range of emotions, including fear, excitement, and homesickness. Initially reluctant and apprehensive, he gradually gains confidence...

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The Hobbit

Bilbo's decision to go on the adventure is not due to a "fear of being thought cowardly." Rather, Bilbo has something of the Tookish spirit in him, and the dwarves' song about the glories of their...

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The Hobbit

Both The Hobbit and Beowulf feature epic heroes, but they differ in their journeys and characteristics. Bilbo Baggins is an unlikely hero who grows into his role, relying on wit and courage, while...

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The Hobbit

Bilbo is most challenged in Chapter 12 when he enters Smaug's lair alone. This moment is described as requiring the greatest courage from him, as he faces the dragon by himself. The narrator...

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The Hobbit

Bilbo Baggins initially resists the idea of adventure due to the conservative nature of the Shire and his Baggins heritage, which values respectability over adventure. However, his Took side, known...

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The Hobbit

Bilbo's escape plan relies on both luck and intelligence. His intelligence is evident as he uses his magic ring of invisibility to remain undetected and cleverly devises a plan for the dwarves'...

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The Hobbit

Gandalf chooses Bilbo for the quest, asserting that Bilbo has untapped potential, despite initial skepticism from others. Gandalf's decision is pivotal, as he marks Bilbo's door to identify him as a...

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The Hobbit

Bilbo shows compassion for the Elves in chapter 9 when he returns the Wood-elf guard's key ring after freeing the Dwarves from their cells. He does this in order to spare the guard even worse trouble...

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The Hobbit

Bilbo Baggins is a central character in J.R.R. Tolkien's works, known for his adventurous journey in The Hobbit. Typical hobbit characteristics include a love for comfort, nature, and simple living....

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The Hobbit

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien mirrors the hero's journey archetype, featuring Bilbo Baggins as an ordinary hero called to adventure by Gandalf. Initially reluctant, Bilbo is compelled to embark on...

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The Hobbit

Bilbo names his sword "Sting" after killing a giant spider in Mirkwood, marking a significant personal victory and transformation. This act demonstrates his bravery and ability to act for the common...

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The Hobbit

In The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien, the characteristics of creativity, empathy, curiosity, and initiative are demonstrated by Bilbo Baggins, the titular character. Gandalf the wizard most ably...

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The Hobbit

In "The Hobbit," the "call to adventure" occurs when Gandalf the wizard asks Bilbo Baggins to join a quest as a burglar, which Bilbo initially rejects. However, Gandalf ensures Bilbo's involvement by...

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The Hobbit

Bilbo's share of the treasure in The Hobbit is determined by a contract signed by Thorin, which promises him "cash on delivery, up to and not exceeding one fourteenth of total profits (if any);"...

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The Hobbit

Gandalf and Bilbo are distinguished by their roles and characteristics in Tolkien's Middle-earth. Gandalf is a powerful wizard, akin to Merlin, known as Gandalf the Grey, and plays a significant role...

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The Hobbit

Bilbo enjoys Rivendell and appreciates the elves' knowledge and stories, despite being slightly intimidated by them. In contrast, the dwarves are uneasy due to historical tensions with the elves and...

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The Hobbit

Bilbo resists various temptations by remaining loyal to his companions and committed to the quest, despite longing for the comfort of his home in the Shire. He also overcomes the allure of the...

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The Hobbit

The question of nature versus nurture is one that has no clear-cut answer. It is a large topic that probably deserves its own essay, but here are a few points: (1) We don't really know how much of...

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The Hobbit

The spider incidents in "The Hobbit" are crucial because they demonstrate Bilbo's growth in self-confidence and capability. During the encounter in Mirkwood, the dwarves are incapacitated by the...

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The Hobbit

In The Hobbit, the turning point of the story occurs when Bilbo rescues his companions from the spiders and is then accepted by the dwarves as a valuable member of their company. In addition, the...

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The Hobbit

Bilbo is captured by trolls early in the journey when he is sent to investigate a light during a storm. The group is already in low spirits after losing supplies and nearly drowning. Bilbo attempts...

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The Hobbit

Gandalf, Bilbo, Thorin, and the dwarves are rescued by the Lord of the Eagles and the Great Eagles of Arda from the goblins and Wargs in The Hobbit. As the group hides in trees set on fire by the...

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The Hobbit

Bilbo Baggins remains fundamentally unchanged by the end of The Hobbit in that his inherent adventurous nature, derived from his Took ancestry, is simply uncovered rather than developed. Throughout...

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The Hobbit

Bilbo's fondness for visitors in The Hobbit is indicated by his hospitality and readiness to entertain guests. He welcomes Gandalf to smoke a pipe and later invites him for tea, showing his sociable...

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The Hobbit

Finding the ring is a turning point for Bilbo because it marks a shift in his self-perception and capabilities. Previously, Bilbo felt out of place and lacked confidence, but acquiring the ring gives...

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The Hobbit

Smaug's attack on Lake Town in The Hobbit can be indirectly linked to Bilbo, as his conversation with Smaug, where he refers to himself as "Barrel-Rider," leads the dragon to suspect Lake-men's...

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The Hobbit

The red light in "The Hobbit" reveals the presence of trolls. Bilbo Baggins is chosen by the dwarves to investigate it due to his role as a "burglar," a position Gandalf assigned him. Although...

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The Hobbit

The quote "what on earth did I invite him to tea for!" highlights Bilbo Baggins' internal conflict between his adventurous Took side and his cautious Baggins side. It reveals his hesitation and...

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