The Hobbit Chapter 14 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What do the men of the lake-town Esgaroth observe?

The lights again. Something is happening up there.

Who is approaching Esgaroth?

The dragon.

Who is Bard?

An inhabitant of Lake Town, a grim voiced man who urged the Master to order them to fight.

What special talent does Bard have?

He is a master bowman. Signup and view all the answers

What is Smaug's weakness?

The hollow of the left breast is missing the scales/armor. Signup and view all the answers

How is Esgaroth destroyed?

Smaug fell on the town, resulting in destruction and silence. Signup and view all the answers

Why were people of Esgaroth upset with their Master?

They believe he does not look out for their best interests. Signup and view all the answers

What wish do the people of Esgaroth express regarding Bard?

They want Bard as their leader. Signup and view all the answers

What does the Master tell his people they may do upon Bard's return?

They may go back with 'King Bard' to Dale. Signup and view all the answers

How does the Master deflect his people's anger away from him?

He reminds them he is not responsible for Smaug's destruction. Signup and view all the answers

What is considered foolish according to Bard?

Wasting words and wrath on those unhappy creatures. Signup and view all the answers

Describe what life is like for the survivors of Esgaroth?

There was little food, many took ill, and there was much sickness and hunger. Signup and view all the answers

Whose help does Bard request?

The King of the Elves of the Wood; Thranduil. Signup and view all the answers

Who else heard the news of Smaug's death?

Beorn, the goblins, and many others. Signup and view all the answers

At the chapter's end, who advances toward the mountain of treasure?

All the men of arms who were still able and the most of the Elvenking's array. Signup and view all the answers

What advice does the thrush give regarding Smaug's weakness?

Look for the hollow of the left breast as he flies and turns above you. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Observations of Esgaroth

Watchmen of Lake-town, Esgaroth, observe mysterious lights appearing and disappearing from midnight till dawn, signaling unusual activity.

Approach of the Dragon

The dark figure approaching Esgaroth is Smaug, the formidable dragon threatening the town.

Bard of Lake Town

Bard is a courageous resident of Lake-town, described as a "grim voiced man," who rallies archers and encourages the Master to resist the dragon with determination.

Bard's Skill

Bard possesses exceptional archery skills, recognized as a master bowman within the race of Dale.

Smaug's Vulnerability

Key weakness of Smaug lies in the hollow area of his left breast, which lacks protective scales, providing a target for Bard.

Destruction of Esgaroth

Esgaroth is devastated when Smaug falls upon it, creating chaos and destruction, followed by the lake boiling and silence marking the end of both the dragon and the town.

Discontent with Leadership

Citizens of Esgaroth express dissatisfaction with their Master, believing he neglects their welfare during crises.

Desire for New Leadership

The populace expresses a strong preference for Bard to take leadership roles following the dragon's defeat.

Master's Directive

Upon Bard's return, the Master allows anyone wishing to accompany Bard back to Dale, recognizing his valor in freeing the land.

Deflection of Blame

To minimize his accountability, the Master shifts the focus of the townspeople's outrage from himself to Thorin and his company, claiming he is not responsible for the dragon's destruction.

Bard's Perspective on Conflict

Bard considers it foolish to direct anger towards the adventurers, suggesting that they perished before Smaug's encroachment.

Survivors' Plight

Survivors of Esgaroth face dire conditions with a lack of shelters and food, leading to illness and death from exposure and sorrow, despite having escaped the town's destruction.

Request for Alliance

Bard seeks assistance from Thranduil, the Elvenking, in the aftermath of the chaos.

News of Smaug's Death

News of Smaug's demise spreads to various characters, including Beorn and the goblins, marking a significant turning point in the story.

March towards the Treasure

Armed men, alongside the Elvenking's forces, prepare to advance towards the treasure-laden mountain, indicating the brewing conflict for the wealth within.

Bilbo's Contribution

A thrush delivers crucial information to Bard about Smaug's vulnerability, highlighting Bilbo's indirect role in the dragon’s defeat through his earlier observations.

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Description

Test your knowledge of Chapter 14 of 'The Hobbit' with this set of flashcards. Explore the key details about the events in Esgaroth, including the mysterious lights and the introduction of Bard. Perfect for students wanting to strengthen their understanding of this pivotal chapter.