The Fellowship of the Ring, Chapter 1 Quiz

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Questions and Answers

How famous have Bilbo's adventures in fighting Smaug made him across the Shire?

Extremely; he is the most famous person there.

How many years have passed since Bilbo's adventures in fighting Smaug?

About sixty

How is Gandalf introduced?

By producing a spectacular display of fireworks.

What is the crowd's reaction to Bilbo's disappearance unlike in the movie?

They assumed he enlisted Gandalf's help in this trick and, unamused, they muttered to each other. Signup and view all the answers

What did Bilbo use in order to turn himself invisible?

His ring. Signup and view all the answers

What did Bilbo promise to do with the Ring?

Leave it to Frodo. Signup and view all the answers

What is Bilbo's reaction upon Gandalf coaxing him to give the Ring to Frodo?

He becomes incredibly agitated, lashing out at Gandalf. He then apologizes and finally acknowledges that not having the Ring will bring him a sense of relief. Signup and view all the answers

Who does Bilbo leave with?

Three unnamed Dwarves Signup and view all the answers

What does Gandalf warn Frodo to do with the Ring?

To keep it secret and keep it safe. Signup and view all the answers

How does Frodo's personality differ from that shown in the movie?

He is much less sociable, saying nothing at the party, and none of his friends are mentioned. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the setting of the Shire perfect for the opening to an adventure?

Tolkien created Hobbits with the intention of having them resemble initial readers of the book; they are characterized as comfortable, yet suspicious of the fantastical nature of their own world. Signup and view all the answers

More importantly, what specifically did Tolkien base the Shire off of?

The rural, idyllic English countryside where he grew up. Signup and view all the answers

What does Tolkien emphasize about the Shire, over and over?

While it is initially charming, it is by no means a paradise. It is stifling, sheltering its inhabitants and preventing them from exploring the world. Signup and view all the answers

What is Frodo's opinion of the Shire?

It is beautiful, but he grows tired of how repetitive it is and how petty the individuals who live there tend to be. Signup and view all the answers

How has Bilbo's personality changed from the time he finished his adventure with fighting Smaug?

He has become reclusive, eccentric, and unstable, especially when it comes to dealing with the Ring. Signup and view all the answers

What is remarkable about Bilbo's body?

He has not physically aged at all, and looks exactly the way he did the day he first put on the Ring. Signup and view all the answers

What prevents Bilbo from dying at the average age for a Hobbit?

The Ring. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Bilbo desire to have a vacation once he parts with the Ring?

He knows that once he removes the Ring, he will begin to die soon. When he dies, he wants to be away from the Shire. Signup and view all the answers

Who has Bilbo told about the Ring for the sixty years he was in possession of it?

Only Gandalf. Signup and view all the answers

What is Frodo's reaction to the Ring?

He is unsettled by it, and is unsure of what to do with it, relying on Gandalf's guidance entirely. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Bilbo's Fame and Adventures

Bilbo Baggins is the most famous figure in the Shire due to his legendary adventures against Smaug.
Approximately sixty years have elapsed since Bilbo's encounter with Smaug.

Introduction of Gandalf and Bilbo's Disappearance

Gandalf is introduced with a spectacular fireworks display, showcasing his magical abilities.
The crowd reacts to Bilbo's disappearance with skepticism, believing it to be a trick by Gandalf, rather than shock.

The Ring's Significance

Bilbo becomes invisible using a magical ring, a significant artifact in the story.
He promises to leave the Ring to his heir, Frodo Baggins, demonstrating his deep connection to it.

Bilbo and Gandalf's Interaction

Bilbo displays agitation when Gandalf suggests he give the Ring to Frodo, revealing his attachment and inner turmoil.
Ultimately, Bilbo realizes that parting with the Ring may bring him relief.

Frodo's Characterization

Frodo is portrayed as less sociable compared to his movie adaptation, lacking the jovial interactions with friends at Bilbo's party.
He is depicted as quiet and reserved, contrasting sharply with his more animated film counterpart.

The Shire's Representation

The Shire serves as an ideal setting for adventure, reflecting the comfort and initial naivety of its inhabitants, resembling the book's early readers.
Inspired by Tolkien's own experiences, the Shire reflects the rural English countryside, evoking a sense of nostalgia and charm.

Themes of Comfort and Stagnation

Despite its picturesque appearance, the Shire is presented as stifling, inhibiting its residents from seeking adventure and exploration.
Frodo appreciates the beauty of the Shire but grows weary of its repetitiveness and the pettiness of its inhabitants.

Changes in Bilbo's Character

Over the years, Bilbo has become recluse, eccentric, and unstable, particularly influenced by the Ring's power.
Physically, he appears unchanged, looking exactly as he did during his adventures, defying the natural aging process.

Consequences of the Ring

The Ring is responsible for Bilbo's prolonged life, preventing him from dying at the usual Hobbit age.
Bilbo wishes for a vacation upon parting with the Ring, aware that he will soon face death and wishing to escape from the Shire during his final moments.

Secrecy of the Ring's Existence

For sixty years, Bilbo has kept the Ring a secret, disclosing its existence only to Gandalf.

Frodo's Reaction to the Ring

Frodo feels unsettled by the Ring, relying heavily on Gandalf's wisdom and guidance to navigate the newfound responsibilities.

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Description

Test your knowledge of Chapter 1 from 'The Fellowship of the Ring'. This quiz covers key events, characters, and important details from Bilbo's journey and the Shire. Perfect for fans of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic tale.