Tolkien

Tolkien studied at ______ University in England.

• London

• Cambridge

• Princeton

• Oxford

What does the Arkenstone represent to Thorin Oakenshield?

• A symbol of his right to rule and the unity of the dwarves

• A mere bauble compared to the wealth of the mountain

• A test of his friendship with Bilbo

• The cause of his eventual downfall due to greed

can be seen as a bildungsroman, or a coming-of-age story, for Bilbo Baggins. Which event most significantly contributes to Bilbo's personal growth?

• The riddle contest with Gollum

• The encounter with Smaug in the Lonely Mountain

• The Battle of the Five Armies

• His decision to steal the Arkenstone

In "The Hobbit," how does Bilbo's character contrast with that of Thorin Oakenshield by the end of their journey?

• Bilbo values adventure over home, while Thorin values wealth over companionship.

• Bilbo becomes greedy and treasure-focused, whereas Thorin learns the value of friendship.

• Bilbo learns the importance of courage and adventure, while Thorin becomes consumed by greed.

• Both characters end their journey with a mutual understanding and similar values.

The One Ring in "The Hobbit" is a precursor to its significance in "The Lord of the Rings." In "The Hobbit," what does the ring primarily symbolize?

• The burden of power and its isolating effects

• A tool for Bilbo's growth and cunning

• The inevitable corruption of all who seek power

• A bond between Bilbo and Gollum

What theme is most deeply explored through Bilbo's reluctance to leave the Shire and his subsequent journey?

• The inevitability of change

• The conflict between good and evil

• The significance of stepping out of one's comfort zone for personal growth

• The importance of returning home

How does the relationship between Bilbo and the dwarves serve as a commentary on prejudice and friendship?

• It shows that initial prejudices can be overcome through shared experiences and challenges.

• It underscores the idea that dwarves and hobbits cannot form true friendships.

• It suggests that friendships are easily formed when there is a common goal.

• It demonstrates that Bilbo's bravery is the only reason the dwarves respect him.

Tolkien was born in South Africa

• True

• False

The first line of The Hobbit was conceived on a blank sheet in an exam paper Tolkien was grading

• True

• False

Answer explanation

"One of the candidates had mercifully left one of the pages with no writing on it (which is the best thing that can happen to an examiner) and I wrote on it: “In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit”. Names always generate a story in my mind. Eventually I thought I’d better find out what hobbits were like. But that’s only the beginning."

Tolkien did not know more than three languages

• True

• False

Answer explanation

With his aptitude of languages, Tolkien had learned: Danish, Dutch, French, German, Gothic, Greek, Italian, Latin, Lombardic, Middle and Old English, Old Norse, Norwegian, Russian, Serbian, Spanish, Swedish, Welsh and Medieval Welsh.