The Hobbit Chapter 5: Riddles in the Dark

Questions and Answers

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.

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.

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?

If Gollum loses, he has to show Bilbo the way. If Bilbo loses, Gollum eats him. Signup and view all the answers

Under what conditions can someone wearing the ring be seen?

A shadow can still be cast by the wearer. Signup and view all the answers

In what way is Bilbo's eventual escape from the caves an example of irony?

Gollum doesn't want to lead him out, but he does without meaning to. Signup and view all the answers

One of the characteristics of a hero is fair play. In what way does Bilbo demonstrate this trait in this chapter?

He has the chance to kill Gollum, but doesn't because he [Gollum] is defenseless. Signup and view all the answers

What was Gollum like before finding the ring?

He lived with his grandmother in a hole in a bank by a river. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Gollum's corruption through its power.

He became tired and obsessed with it. He used it to hunt and kill goblins. Signup and view all the answers

Find a passage that explains the transformation.

Also they reminded him of days when he had been less lonely and sneaky and nasty, and that put him out of temper. Signup and view all the answers

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.

Description

Explore the captivating elements of Chapter 5 of 'The Hobbit', where Bilbo encounters Gollum and engages in a battle of wits. This quiz focuses on key literary techniques such as foreshadowing and Tolkien’s unique poetic style. Test your knowledge with flashcards that delve into the themes and writing style of this memorable chapter.