Literary Vocabulary and Devices Quiz

Questions and Answers

What does 'forded' mean?

crossed a river or other body of water

What does 'venerable' mean?

worthy of respect because of age or dignity

What does 'palpitating' refer to?

a rapid beating of the heart

Find an example of personification on p. 45.

...the voice of hurrying water Signup and view all the answers

Find an example of foreshadowing on p. 48.

Now it is a strange thing, but things that are good to have and days that are good to spend are soon told about, and not much to listen to; while things that are uncomfortable, palpitating, and even gruesome, may make a good tale, and take a deal of telling anyway. Signup and view all the answers

What is another name for The Last Homely House?

Rivendell Signup and view all the answers

What is Rivendell?

an elvish kingdom Signup and view all the answers

Describe the Misty Mountains.

a long mountain range that divided much of Middle Earth Signup and view all the answers

Why does Bilbo want to hear the elves' opinion of their adventure to the Mountain?

Elves know a lot and always know what's happening among other parts of the land. Signup and view all the answers

What do the dwarves think of the elves?

Dwarves think elves are foolish and annoying. Signup and view all the answers

What qualities does Elrond possess that make him a good leader for his people?

He is strong, venerable, wise, kind, and handsome. Signup and view all the answers

How does the author depict both good and evil in physical terms?

He describes and relates them to good and evil physical objects. Signup and view all the answers

Do you agree or disagree that Bilbo came on this mission of his own free will?

I agree ultimately that he left of his free will. Signup and view all the answers

What elements of freedom are present in Elrond's kingdom which support the idea that free will is important for a person to be happy?

The choice to eat, sleep, work, tell stories, sing, or just sit and think. Signup and view all the answers

What are the names of the swords captured from the trolls?

Orcrist and Glamdring Signup and view all the answers

What do Orcrist and Glamdring signify?

Orcrist = goblin-cleaver; Glamdring = foe-hammer Signup and view all the answers

Find an example of how Tolkien vividly describes the natural surroundings Bilbo and his friends inhabit.

The next morning was a midsummer's morning as fair and fresh as could be dreamed: blue sky and never a cloud, the sun dancing on the water. Signup and view all the answers

Why do you think Bilbo spends so much time describing the countryside?

Bilbo's observing those details during his adventure; he's seeing new things. Signup and view all the answers

What is the legend about moon-letters?

Moon-letters are rune-letters that can only be revealed by moonlight. Signup and view all the answers

What riddle do the moon-letters reveal to Elrond?

Stand by the grey stone when the thrush knocks, and the setting sun with the last light of Durin's Day will shine upon the key-hole. Signup and view all the answers

What is Durin's Day?

The first day of the dwarves' new year. The first day of the last moon of autumn on the threshold of winter. Signup and view all the answers

State a generalization about life using the following passage from the story.

A good life with little to no bumps is boring. But a life with many bumps in the road is more interesting. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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.

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Description

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.