Questions and Answers
What did Bilbo leave behind when he rushed out to meet the dwarves?
How did the weather change as the group journeyed into the Lone-lands?
What was the group's first major challenge after Gandalf went missing?
What item did Dwalin offer Bilbo in place of his missing belongings?
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What effect did the gloomy weather have on Bilbo's mood during the journey?
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What was Bilbo's initial reaction upon discovering the aftermath of the previous night's gathering?
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What prompted Gandalf to scold Bilbo when he entered the dining room?
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What was the primary reason the group of adventurers initially hesitated to investigate the light they saw?
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What did Gandalf give to Bilbo that served as a message from the company?
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What terms were described in the note that Bilbo received?
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Which character took on the role of lookout during the discussion about the light?
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What did the trolls express a desire for during their conversation at the fire?
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Which activity was Bilbo engaged in before Gandalf's arrival?
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What decision did Thorin and Company ultimately make about their situation?
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What internal conflict did Bilbo experience when he crept closer to the trolls?
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What does Bilbo offer the trolls in exchange for his freedom?
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Which troll is described as having already had a fine supper?
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How do the trolls initially react to Bilbo's description of himself as a 'burrahobbit'?
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What tactic does Thorin use to confront the trolls?
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What ultimately happens to Bilbo during the trolls' fight?
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Study Notes
Chapter II: Roast Mutton Overview
- Bilbo wakes to find evidence of a large breakfast, indicating a hasty departure of the dwarves and Gandalf.
- A note from Thorin and Company reveals their plan and gratitude, stating they have already left for the Green Dragon Inn.
- Bilbo must rush to join them, leaving behind his breakfast and essential belongings like his hat and money.
Key Characters
- Bilbo Baggins: A hobbit unprepared for adventure, conflicted between comfort at home and participation in the journey.
- Gandalf: The wizard who emphasizes urgency and facilitates Bilbo's involvement in the adventure.
- Thorin Oakenshield and Company: The group of dwarves that Bilbo joins, each arriving with various belongings on ponies.
Journey Begins
- The group sets off on ponies, with Bilbo wearing too-large clothing borrowed from Dwalin, making him look comic.
- As they travel, the landscape shifts from familiar Hobbit lands to desolate regions known as the Lone-lands.
Challenges Encountered
- The weather worsens, turning cold and rainy, leading to a grumpy atmosphere among the dwarves.
- Travel difficulties escalate with tired ponies and unaccustomed conditions, compelling Bilbo to long for the comfort of home.
Encounter with Trolls
- The dwarves notice a mysterious light in the woods, arguing over whether to investigate. They ultimately decide to send Bilbo as their burglar.
- Bilbo discovers three trolls toasting mutton and discussing their lack of human flesh. He hesitates to warn the dwarves or rob the trolls, feeling anxious and out of place.
Bilbo's Attempt and its Consequences
- Bilbo's unsuccessful attempt to pick a troll's pocket results in capture, leading the trolls to consider cooking him.
- A chaotic fight ensues among the trolls, providing Bilbo a chance to escape.
Dwarves’ Capture
- The dwarves arrive sequentially, each being caught in sacks by the trolls, revealing their vulnerability against these larger foes.
- Thorin, aware of the danger, attempts to fight back but gets captured nonetheless, illustrating the dire situation.
Themes and Motifs
- Adventure vs. Comfort: Bilbo grapples with his desire for home and the call to adventure, highlighting the conflict within adventuring characters.
- Camaraderie: The connection between Bilbo and the dwarves strengthens, despite their initial hierarchy of roles and responsibilities.
- Humor Amidst Danger: The comic portrayal of Bilbo in borrowed clothing and the trolls’ absurd nature inject humor into an otherwise perilous tale.
Symbolism
- The Trolls: Represents the perils of adventure and the unpredictability of encounters that await travelers in unknown lands.
- Bilbo’s Journey: Symbolizes growth and transformation, establishing the groundwork for Bilbo's character development throughout the story.### Encounter with the Trolls
- The group of dwarves is captured by three trolls after a fight, tied up in sacks while the trolls debate their fate.
- The trolls argue over whether to roast, mince, or squash the dwarves; their conflict provides comedic relief.
- Bilbo, observing from a bush, is terrified and injured, unable to intervene.
Gandalf's Intervention
- Gandalf returns unnoticed and secretly manipulates the trolls into bickering until dawn.
- At dawn, trolls turn to stone as they are exposed to sunlight, ending their threat to the dwarves.
Rescuing the Dwarves
- Gandalf helps Bilbo down from the bush, and they untie the dwarves, who are frustrated and suffocated from being in bags.
- The dwarves have an unpleasant experience listening to the trolls’ cannibalistic plans.
Discovery of the Troll Cave
- Gandalf suggests searching for the trolls' hideout as they must have a cave to escape the sun.
- They find a stone door to a cave marked by troll footprints but struggle to open it.
Finding Treasure
- Bilbo produces a key he found; the group unlocks the cave and discovers food, coins, and various items.
- The cave contains remnants of past victims including clothes and weapons, particularly two notable swords taken by Gandalf and Thorin, and a knife for Bilbo.
Aftermath and Escape
- The group takes food and gold from the cave, leaving with provisions much better than their own.
- They secretly bury the pots of gold near the river, protected by spells, before continuing their journey.
Gandalf's Briefing
- Thorin inquires about Gandalf’s absence and learns the wizard went ahead to scout the path.
- Gandalf encountered two elves from Rivendell who warned of the trolls’ danger and shared information about the area.
###Themes and Morals
- Highlights the power of cleverness over brute strength as Gandalf outsmarts the trolls.
- Emphasizes the importance of teamwork and resourcefulness in overcoming challenges during their journey.
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Description
Test your knowledge of Chapter II, 'Roast Mutton', from J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Hobbit'. This chapter depicts Bilbo's experience after a chaotic breakfast following an unexpected party. Engage with questions about the characters, events, and themes presented in this memorable chapter.
