Literary Vocabulary and Devices Quiz

Vocabulary Terms

• Forded: Refers to crossing a river or any body of water, highlighting travel challenges in the story.
• Venerable: Describes someone or something deserving respect due to age or dignity, often associated with wisdom and authority.
• Palpitating: Indicates a rapid heartbeat, often reflecting excitement or fear.

Literary Devices

• Personification Example: "the voice of hurrying water" illustrates natural elements having human-like qualities, enhancing the setting's liveliness.
• Foreshadowing Example: The quote about tales of comfort versus discomfort suggests that not all adventures are easy, hinting at future challenges.

Locations

• The Last Homely House: This term is synonymous with Rivendell, a safe haven for characters in the journey.
• Rivendell: An elvish kingdom known for its beauty and tranquility, serving as a refuge for the main characters.
• Misty Mountains: A significant mountain range that divides much of Middle Earth, representing obstacles in the journey.

Character Perspectives

• Bilbo’s Curiosity: Bilbo seeks the elves' opinions on their adventure due to their knowledge of Middle Earth, emphasizing his desire for guidance.
• Dwarves' View on Elves: Dwarves perceive elves as foolish and annoying, showcasing cultural tensions between different races.

Leadership Qualities

• Elrond's Attributes: Elrond is depicted as a strong, venerable, wise, kind, and handsome leader, illustrating the qualities that make him respected among his people.

Good and Evil Representation

• The author conveys good and evil through physical descriptions of objects, creating a tangible sense of morality within the storyline.

Themes of Free Will

• Bilbo’s Journey: Support for the idea that Bilbo chose to embark on his quest, indicating personal agency in the face of adventure.
• Elrond's Kingdom: Freedom in Rivendell is symbolized through choices like eating, resting, and storytelling, suggesting the importance of free will for happiness.

Significant Artifacts

• Swords Captured from Trolls: The names Orcrist (goblin-cleaver) and Glamdring (foe-hammer) signify their significance in the fight against evil forces.

Environmental Description

• Nature Imagery: Tolkien vividly describes the natural surroundings, such as "a midsummer's morning as fair and fresh as could be dreamed," emphasizing Bilbo’s appreciation for beauty in his journey.

Importance of Setting

• The extensive descriptions of the countryside serve to illustrate Bilbo's new experiences and his growing awareness of the world around him.

Lore and Legends

• Moon-Letters: Runes that reveal information only under moonlight, adding an element of mystery to the quest.
• Riddle to Elrond: The riddle about the 'grey stone' and 'Durin's Day' reveals strategic information crucial for the group’s mission.

Cultural Significance

• Durin's Day: Marks the first day of the dwarves' new year, which has significance in their culture and relates to their lunar calendar.

Philosophical Reflection

• Generalization about Life: The passage underscores that a life filled with challenges is often more interesting than one that is easy or without conflict.

Test your knowledge on key vocabulary terms and literary devices used in literature. This quiz will cover important words, their meanings, and examples of how they create depth in the narrative. Challenge yourself on your understanding of setting and character development.