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Questions and Answers
Find an example of foreshadowing at the beginning of this chapter when Bilbo is alone in the tunnel.
Find an example of foreshadowing at the beginning of this chapter when Bilbo is alone in the tunnel.
...certainly it did not seem of any particular use at the moment.
Find a passage in this chapter that illustrates Tolkien's poetic writing style.
Find a passage in this chapter that illustrates Tolkien's poetic writing style.
What has roots as nobody sees/Is taller than trees/Up, up it goes/And yet never grows?
Cite incidents from this chapter to support or refute the idea that Gollum represents Tolkien's idea of evil.
Cite incidents from this chapter to support or refute the idea that Gollum represents Tolkien's idea of evil.
He throttled them from behind. Sometime he [Great Goblin] took a fancy for fish from the lake, and sometimes neither goblin nor fish came back. Gollum wants to eat Bilbo if Bilbo loses.
What are the rules Bilbo and Gollum agree to concerning the riddle contest?
What are the rules Bilbo and Gollum agree to concerning the riddle contest?
Under what conditions can someone wearing the ring be seen?
Under what conditions can someone wearing the ring be seen?
In what way is Bilbo's eventual escape from the caves an example of irony?
In what way is Bilbo's eventual escape from the caves an example of irony?
One of the characteristics of a hero is fair play. In what way does Bilbo demonstrate this trait in this chapter?
One of the characteristics of a hero is fair play. In what way does Bilbo demonstrate this trait in this chapter?
What was Gollum like before finding the ring?
What was Gollum like before finding the ring?
Describe Gollum's corruption through its power.
Describe Gollum's corruption through its power.
Find a passage that explains the transformation.
Find a passage that explains the transformation.
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Study Notes
Foreshadowing and Setting
- Foreshadowing is evident when Bilbo's thoughts hint at the uncertainty and danger of his situation, noting the tunnel seems of little use at that moment.
Poetic Language
- Tolkien showcases his poetic style through riddles, exemplified by the passage about things with roots unseen that grow tall without growing visibly.
Gollum and the Nature of Evil
- Gollum's behavior illustrates Tolkien's perspective on evil; he throttles victims and is shown to have a predatory nature, desiring to eat Bilbo if he wins the riddle contest.
- The Great Goblin's whims also parallel Gollum’s darker tendencies, supporting Gollum's representation of malevolence.
Rules of the Riddle Contest
- A formal agreement is created: if Gollum loses, he will guide Bilbo out; if Bilbo loses, Gollum will eat him, emphasizing the high stakes of their competition.
Invisibility and Shadows
- Wearing the ring grants invisibility; however, it still allows the wearer to cast shadows, indicating limitations to the power of the ring.
Irony of Escape
- Bilbo's escape presents irony as Gollum inadvertently leads him out of the caves, contrary to Gollum's intent to keep him trapped.
Fair Play as Heroism
- Bilbo demonstrates heroism through fair play by choosing not to kill Gollum when he has the opportunity, showcasing mercy towards a defenseless foe.
Gollum’s Past
- Before acquiring the ring, Gollum is depicted as a simpler creature who lived in a harmonious setting with his grandmother near a river, contrasting sharply with his later life.
Corruption by Power
- The power of the ring leads to Gollum's corruption, making him fatigued and obsessed, transforming him into a cunning hunter who uses its power to kill goblins.
Transformation of Gollum
- Gollum's transformation is marked by a nostalgic reminiscence of happier days before the ring's influence, reflecting on a time when he was more innocent and less malevolent.
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