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| The Lord of the Rings series contains three classic fantasy books. The guides explore the Christian messages; they are written for 9th-12th grades. A guide for The Hobbit is also available; is was written for 5th-8th grades, but can also be used in for high school age students. Short sections containing Tolkien Trivia are included in all four guides.
The Fellowship of the Ring
Frodo Baggins begins a perilous journey to destroy a magic ring.
The Two Towers
The fellowship is broken; some are captured by the servants of the Dark Lord, others are following a trail that seems hopeless. Frodo, led by a deceitful guide, continues his journey to Mordor.
The Return of the King
The startling climax in the trilogy is filled with joy and sorrow.
The Hobbit
An unassuming hobbit named Bilbo Baggins accompanies a group of dwarves
on an adventure to reclaim their treasure.
| J.R.R. Tolkien Boook..........................................................................$7.99 ea |
Guide* (in booklet format)................................................................$5.99 ea
Guide* (letter format -- printed on 8 1/2" by 11" sheets of paper; 3-hole punched and ready to put in a binder of your choice)......................$5.00 ea
Reproducible Sheets..........................................................................$1.00 ea
*Notes: 1) There is no difference in content (booklet vs. letter), 2) the guides and reproducible sheets are available in PDF format and are able to be transmitted in an e-mail attachment.
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| NEW! Study Guide book that contains all four guides........................$19.99 |
NEW! Study Guide book that contains all four guides PLUS reproducible sheets....................................................................................................$23.99
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Recommended devotional books:
Walking with Frodo, by Sarah Arthur.....................................................$9.99
Walking with Bilbo, by Sarah Arthur......................................................$9.99
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Samples from The Hobbit:
Note about page numbers: The page numbers in the guides are taken from the books pictured above. We have, however, tried to make the guides "user friendly" to other editions. Some ways we do this: 1) include a context sentence (see the Vocabulary section -- below -- from Chapter I of The Hobbit for an example), 2) provide word lists, 3) include information about which paragraph and/or section the word is found in (see the Vocabulary section -- below -- for Chapters One & Two of The Fellowship of the Ring), 4) direct students to watch for words as they are reading.
Copyright © 2003 Christian Novel Studies
All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America
No part of this guide may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage
and retrieval system, without the written permission of Christian Novel Studies.
PRE-READING ACTIVITIES
1. Read the information on the pages that precede Chapter I*. Also read the “Background
Information About The Hobbit” section on page 2 of this guide.
*Note: If your copy doesn’t include information about hobbits, read about them in the Answer Key.
2. On one of the pages that precede Chapter I, you read a paragraph titled “And what is a Hobbit?” Answer the following questions: How many meals do hobbits eat in a day? How many meals do you eat? Would you rather eat like a hobbit? Explain your answer. Eat like a hobbit for a day.
3. Discuss: What do you think about when you read the word adventure? Do you get
excited or do you feel a sense of dread? As you read Chapter I in The Hobbit, compare (how are they the same)
and contrast (how are they different) your feelings with how Bilbo Baggins felt.
4. What is your idea of comfort? Write a paragraph that explains your concept of comfort.
5. Read biography about J.R.R. Tolkien (printed below and at the top of page 2). You learned that, as a toddler, Tolkien was bitten by a tarantula. This experience led to a life-long fascination with spiders, which is reflected in his writing. Watch for the appearance of spiders as you read this book.
DURING READING ACTIVITIES
Choose #1, #2, or #4; all students should complete #3:
1. Begin to create a hobbit card game that is similar to Old Maid: Write the word HOBBIT on an index card. On another card, write characteristics of a hobbit. As you read this book, you will meet elves, trolls, dwarves, goblins, etc. Create a pair of cards for each group of people.
You may also make cards for specific people like Bilbo Baggins: Write the name of the character on one card, and write aspects of this person’s appearance and personality on the other card. Write The Hobbit, by J. R. R. Tolkien on a card. This is the “Old Maid” card. You will play the game after you finish reading The Hobbit.
Optional idea: Illustrate the cards that contain the name of the group or the name of the character.
2. Create an adventure box: Cover the top of an unused shoe box with construction paper or
wrapping paper. Label the box — ADVENTURES (or a similar label of your choice).
As you read The Hobbit, you will “accompany” Bilbo Baggins on adventures. Draw scenes from adventures you’re having, write short summaries, and/or collect small items that represent the adventures. Put these items in your box.
3. In the first chapter, you will read that The Hobbit is a story of how a hobbit named Bilbo Baggins had an adventure: He found himself doing and saying unexpected things.
On page 2 of The Hobbit, J. R. R. Tolkien states that Mr. Baggins may have lost the neighbours’ respect, but he gained — “well, you will see whether he gained anything in the end.” As you read The Hobbit, jot notes about answers to these questions — Did Bilbo Baggins gain anything from his adventure? If the answer to the question is yes, what did he gain?
4. J. R. R. Tolkien created a history for Middle Earth. As you are reading, identify sentences and phrases that give clues about this history.
A Biography of J. R. R. Tolkien
John Ronald Reuel Tolkien was born on January 3, 1892. The first years of his life were spent in Bloemfontein, South Africa, where his father held a position with a British bank. As a toddler, Tolkien’s health was poor, and at the age of three, he suffered a nearly fatal bite from a tarantula. This prompted his mother to return to England with Tolkien and his younger brother, Hilary. Their father planned to follow them, but contracted rheumatic fever and passed away in February of 1896. Four year later Tolkien’s mother died from complications with diabetes.
When Tolkien was nineteen, he fell in love with a young woman named Edith Bratt. His guardian, however, felt that they were too young and ordered them not to see one another for two years. As the clock struck midnight on his twenty-first birthday, Tolkien wrote a letter asking Edith to be his bride. They were married on March 22, 1916; one week later, Tolkien left for the battlefields of World War I.
As a soldier, Tolkien witnessed some of the bloodiest fighting the world has ever seen, including the Battle of the Somme, which claimed the most British lives in history. (Before the end of the war, nearly all of Tolkien’s close friends were dead.)
To distract himself, Tolkien scribbled on scraps of paper; these notes formed the basis for his future stories. In November of 1916, he contracted trench fever and was sent home to England, where (between his work as a professor and assistant lexicographer for the Oxford English Dictionary) he continued creating his imaginary world of Middle-Earth.
In 1936 The Hobbit was published; The Lord of the Rings appeared in 1943. Tolkien submitted The Silmarillion, a history/mythology of Middle-Earth, but the publishing company rejected it as being too complex. Tolkien spent the rest of his life refining the work and trying to get it into print. It was finally published four years after his death.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION about The Hobbit
The Hobbit began one warm afternoon while Tolkien was correcting School Certificate exams. Coming to a page which a student had left blank, Tolkien picked up his pen and casually scrawled: “In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.”
Tolkien returned to the sentence later and decided to find out what hobbits were like. As he “discovered” more and more about them, he wove them into what would be his first published tale about Middle-Earth.
His story was seen by a former student, who passed it along to another Oxford graduate who was working for a publishing house. She asked Tolkien to finish the story and send her a copy, which he gladly did. The book was reviewed by the publisher and his ten-year-old son (who greeted it with favorable reviews); the publisher decided to print it. The book promptly sold out.
As Tolkien began writing the Lord of the Rings, he realized that there were certain details in The Hobbit — chiefly to do with Gollum — which would conflict with his new tale. The Hobbit was revised before the Lord of the Rings appeared.
CHAPTER I
Vocabulary:
Look up each italicized word in a dictionary; then choose the best synonym. Watch for the words as you are reading the chapter.
1. It is probable (pg. 3) that Bilbo got something a bit queer from the Took side.
a. objectionable b. usual c. negative d. likely
2. Gandalf wore immense (pg. 4) black boots.
a. vast b. huge c. high d. dirty
3. The dwarves talked about depredations (pg. 9) of dragons.
a. kindnesses b. dirtiness c. robberies d. cunningness
4. Mr. Baggins was feeling positively flummoxed (pg. 11).
a. confused b. misunderstood c. disheartened d. happy
5. Bilbo Baggins is an excellent and audacious (pg. 16) hobbit.
a. bold b. kind c. generous d. impudent
6. Mr. Baggins wanted to know about risks, expenses, time required, and remuneration (pg. 22).
a. danger b. hope c. pay d. cost
Ideas for Discussion and Writing:
1. At the end of the first paragraph of The Hobbit, you read that a hobbit-hole means comfort. The second paragraph describes the comforts found in a hobbit-hole. How does this hobbit-hole comfort compare and contrast with the concepts in the paragraph you wrote about comfort (Pre-Reading Activity #4)?
2. In Bilbo Baggins’ hobbit-hole there were lots and lots of pegs for hats and coats. Why?
3. How did Bilbo feel about maps?
4. What was unusual about Gandalf’s appearance?
5. Why did Gandalf choose Bilbo?
6. Describe Thorin’s key.
7. Why did Bilbo decide to go on the adventure?
Literature Analysis 1: Plants
At the beginning of Chapter I, J. R. R. Tolkien explains that Bagginses “never had any adventures or did anything unexpected.” Later in the chapter, however, Bilbo Baggins announces that he wants to be told what they [the dwarves] want done, because he plans to try it, even it he has to walk far and fight the wild Were-worms.
J. R. R. Tolkien has added some “plants” (hints) that lay the foundation for Bilbo’s uncharacteristic announcement. Identify several of these “plants.”
Literature Analysis 2: Notable Nouns/Vivid Verbs
Throughout The Hobbit, J. R. R. Tolkien uses words that give readers a clear mental image of what he is trying to communicate. Nouns that create clear images can be called Notable Nouns, and verbs that help you form vivid pictures can be called Vivid Verbs. Some examples are printed in bold: Tales and adventures sprouted up wherever Gandalf went. Kili wanted to join the throng. Explain whyeach word printed in bold creates a vivid picture in readers’ minds.
Create a chart in your notebook (see the example below) and add several more Notable Nouns and Vivid Verbs from Chapter I. Continue to add to your chart as you continue reading.
NOTABLE NOUNS VIVID VERBS
throng sprouted
Extension Writing:
Reread the song that the dwarves sang about Bilbo. What did he hate? Why did the dwarves sing the song? Compose one verse of a song about what you hate. An example follows:
Spill the chocolate on the floor
Leave it there and walk away
That’s what Mommy will abhor —
Stepping on stickiness every day!
Biblical/Personal Application:
Gandalf tells the dwarves that there is a lot more in Bilbo Baggins than they can guess, and “a deal more than he has any idea of himself.”
Christ sees you in the same way. He wants you to understand that there is a lot more in you (because He and His power are in you) than anyone can guess, and a good deal more than you have any idea of yourself. (See Ephesians 3:20-21 for a reminder of His enormous power.)
As you read about Bilbo’s exploits and as you see him fulfilling Gandalf’s predications, realize afresh how much potential God sees in you.
ANSWER KEY
Pre-Reading Questions and Activities: 1. Hobbits are little people — they are smaller than dwarfs. They love peace, quiet, and good tilled earth. Although they are handy with tools, they dislike machines. They are nimble, but don’t like to hurry. They have sharp ears and eyes, are inclined to be fat, and wear bright colors (but seldom wear shoes). They like to laugh, to eat, and to drink. They like parties (and they like to give and receive presents). Hobbits live in The Shire. 2. Hobbits eat six meals a day.
During Reading Activities: 4. Some pages that contain history: 80, 85, 110, 116, 158, 167.
CHAPTER I: Vocabulary: 1. d, 2. b, 3. c, 4. a, 5. a, 6. c Ideas for Discussion and Writing:
1. Answers will vary. 2. The hobbit was fond of visitors. 3. Bilbo loved maps. 4. Gandalf had long busy eyebrows that stuck out further than the brim of his shady hat! 5. Gandalf felt that Bilbo had a lot of potential. 6. It was a small and curious key. It had a long barrel and intricate silver wards. 7. Bilbo rose to the dwarves’ challenge, and the Tookish side of his personality won. Literature Analysis 1: Tolkien tells readers that this story is about a Baggins who had an adventure. Tolkien explains to readers about the Tookish nature in Bilbo. Bilbo said to Gandalf, “Bless me, life used to be quite inter — I mean, you used to upset things badly . . . .” Literature Analysis 2: The words are very specific, so they create vivid pictures in readers’ minds. Other examples: nouns — lilies, snapdragons (pg. 5); verbs — scratched, strode (pg. 6) Extension Writing: Bilbo hated messes and he didn’t like to see his possessions destroyed. The dwarves were teasing Bilbo.
Samples from The Fellowship of the Ring:
Copyright © 2002 Christian Novel Studies
All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America.
No part of this guide may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage
and retrieval system, without the written permission of Christian Novel Studies.
PRE-READING and DURING READING QUESTIONS and ACTIVITIES
1. Read about hobbits in the prologue to The Fellowship of the Ring. Who are they? What
are some of their characteristics?
2. J. R. R. Tolkien had a deep love for his country, so he created the Shire to be an idyllic England. Research England and write a short report.
3. J. R. R. Tolkien was a philologist. Look up philology in a reference book.
4. Read about the finding of the Ring in the prologue to The Fellowship of the Ring. What
did Bilbo find? To whom did it belong? Describe the riddle game.
5. J. R. R. Tolkien was influenced by George MacDonald, a nineteenth-century Christian author. Check out The Princess and the Goblin, by George Macdonald, from the library.
Do you see any similarities between The Princess and the Goblin and The Lord of the Rings? Explain your answer.
6. Look up the word allegory in a dictionary. Many people have tried to find symbolism in
The Lord of the Rings; Tolkien, however, “cordially disliked allegory” and insisted that it was
not present in his books. Instead, he gave readers the freedom to apply the trilogy to
whatever situation they wished. How is allegory different than application? How does
Tolkien explain this difference in the prologue to The Fellowship of the Ring?
CHAPTERS I and II
Vocabulary:
Read the vocabulary words and definitions listed below. Fill in the letter of the correct definition for each word. Use a dictionary if necessary; then watch for the words as you are reading.
1.___perpetual pg. 21–Ch. I--2nd paragraph a. a congested district
2.___reminiscence page 22 b. unceasing
3.___warren page 24 c. glittering, twinkling, emitting sparks
4.___commodity page 27 d. memory; something remembered
5.___scintillating page 28 e. merchandise
6.___allude page 30 f. to be in a state of agitation or indecision
7.___dithering 70 -- near the end of Ch. II g. to refer to
8.___squib page 26 h. a type of firework
Ideas For Discussion and Writing:
1. How did Bilbo feel when the Ring was his master? How did he feel after he let it go?
2. Read Proverbs 15:1. Inference: How did Gandalf illustrate this in his conversation with Bilbo? What would have happened if he had responded differently?
3. What happens to a mortal who keeps one of the Great Rings?
4a. Frodo wished that it (the Shadow growing) had not happened in his time. How did Gandalf respond when Frodo expressed this wish?
b. One of Gandalf’s sentences begins with the following words: “All we have to decide is . . . .” Complete this statement. Think of a way that Gandalf’s statement applies to your life.
5. Describe the change that came over Gollum as he possessed the Ring.
6. Read what Gandalf says about pity and (several paragraphs later) death in Chapter Two. Inference: How does this remind you of Christ?
7. Why wouldn’t Gandalf take the Ring? What should our attitude be toward temptation?
Literature Analysis: True and False
Write a T (for true) or F (for false) in the blank for each of the following statements. Base your answers on information found in the book.
1._____Gollum received the Ring as a birthday present.
2._____Frodo flung the Ring into the fireplace to destroy it.
3._____After Bilbo vanished at the party, he was not seen by any hobbit in Hobbiton again.
4._____Gandalf punished Sam for eavesdropping by turning him into a toad.
5._____Isildur cut the Ring from Sauron’s hand.
6._____After Bilbo’s disappearance, all of his possessions were distributed to the hobbits of Hobbiton.
7._____Sauron was driven out of Mirkwood by the White Council.
8._____Saruman the Wizard was highly interested in Ring-lore.
9._____No change came over the Ring after it was thrown into the fire.
10._____The Sackville Bagginses inherited Bag-End after Bilbo’s disappearance.
Extension Activity:
Reread Gandalf’s reply to Frodo’s question, “Why was I chosen?” Then read Exodus 3. God often uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. List three other Biblical examples.
Tolkien Trivia
Gollum’s name was derived from the Gaelic word goll, which means ring;
it can also mean precious.
ANSWER KEY
Pre-Reading Questions & Activities:
1. Hobbits are hole-dwelling creatures who live in an agricultural region of Middle-Earth known as the Shire. They are short (about half the size of humans), inclined to fatness, and fond of eating and smoking.
4. Bilbo found a Ring. It belonged to a slimy creature named Gollum. In the riddle game, players took turn asking each other questions. The first to answer incorrectly lost. If Bilbo lost, Gollum said he would eat him. If Gollum lost, however, he had to guide Bilbo out of the caves.
6. Tolkien said that allegory was different than application in the sense that allegory is purposely included by the author, while application is interpreted by the reader.
CHAPTERS 1 & 2 Vocabulary: 1. b, 2. d, 3. a, 4. e, 5. c, 6. g, 7. f, 8. h
Ideas For Discussion & Writing:
1. While Bilbo possessed the Ring, he felt “thin and stretched.” After he let it go, he felt “happier than [he’d] ever been.”
2. Gandalf responded with gentleness to Bilbo’s anger. Bilbo probably wouldn’t have given up the Ring if Gandalf had been harsh.
3. A mortal who keeps one of the Great Rings does not die, but he does not grow or obtain more life — he continues until every moment is weariness. If he uses the Ring often he fades and finally becomes invisible permanently. Eventually the dark power devours him.
4a. Gandalf agreed with Frodo, but he said that the time one lives is not up to individuals to decide. Each individual, however, must decide what he will do with the time that is given him. b. “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” Answers will vary.
5. Gollum became mean, twisted, and miserable, hating darkness, but hating light more.
6. Christ had pity on us in our miserable, sinful state. He (a man who did not deserve death) sacrificed Himself for us (a people who did not deserve life).
7. Gandalf knew the temptation to use the Ring for good purposes would prove stronger than his will. We should take the same, hands-off attitude about things that tempt us.
Literature Analysis: 1. F, 2. F, 3. T, 4. F, 5. T, 6. F, 7. T, 8. T, 9. F, 10. F
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