The Hobbit Chapters 1-2 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

Who is Bilbo Baggins?

Bilbo Baggins is a well-to-do Hobbit that lives in The Hill. He was very respectable and rich and never did anything unexpected.

Give a brief description of a hobbit.

Hobbits are little people, about half the height of a human, and smaller than a dwarf. They have fat stomachs, wear bright colors, and have hairy, leathery feet.

Discuss the significance of the name Belladonna.

Belladonna Took was Bilbo Baggins' mother, known for being adventurous and part of the Took clan, which had fairy blood.

What did Gandalf claim to be looking for when he arrived on Bilbo's doorstep?

Gandalf claimed to be looking for someone to share in an adventure that he was arranging. Signup and view all the answers

What does Gandalf do with the spike on his staff just before leaving Bilbo's home?

Gandalf scratched a queer sign on the door as he left. Signup and view all the answers

Who began to arrive at Bilbo's home the next day for tea?

Thirteen dwarves showed up at Bilbo's house the next day. Signup and view all the answers

Give proof that Gandalf has knocked very hard on Bilbo's front door.

Gandalf knocked very hard with his staff, leaving a dent in the door. Signup and view all the answers

List the instruments the dwarves used to accompany their songs.

The dwarves had fiddles, flutes, a drum, clarinets, viols, and a beautiful golden harp. Signup and view all the answers

What indication is there that Thorin is the leader of the dwarves?

Thorin does nothing to help clean up and is the one who instructs others and speaks about the adventure. Signup and view all the answers

Explain why Bilbo lets out a horrible shriek and begins to shake like jelly.

Bilbo shrieked upon hearing Thorin mention that some may never return from the adventure. Signup and view all the answers

What does Gandalf threaten to do if the assembled dwarves refuse to accept his choice of Bilbo Baggins as the fourteenth man for their expedition?

Gandalf told the dwarves they could go on with 13 and have bad luck or return to digging coal. Signup and view all the answers

According to Thorin, what had happened to his family's wealth?

Smaug, a dragon from the North, burned their homes and stole all their treasure. Signup and view all the answers

What is a porthole?

An opening with a cover or closure especially in the side of a ship or aircraft Signup and view all the answers

What is Belladonna?

An Old World poisonous plant of the nightshade family Signup and view all the answers

What does 'absurd' mean?

Having no rational or orderly relationship to human life Signup and view all the answers

What does 'discreet' mean?

Showing good judgment Signup and view all the answers

What does 'scuttling' refer to?

A shallow open basket for carrying something Signup and view all the answers

What does 'flummoxed' mean?

Bewildered and perplexed Signup and view all the answers

What does 'wretched' mean?

Deeply afflicted, dejected, or distressed in body or mind Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'parlour'?

A sitting room in a private house Signup and view all the answers

What does 'kindling' refer to?

Easily combustible material for starting a fire Signup and view all the answers

What does 'fetch' mean?

To go or come after and bring or take back Signup and view all the answers

What does 'fender' refer to?

The mudguard or area around the wheel well of a vehicle Signup and view all the answers

What does 'audacious' mean?

Showing a willingness to take surprisingly bold risks Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'conspirator'?

Someone who takes part in a conspiracy Signup and view all the answers

What does 'remuneration' mean?

Compensation for jobs or services Signup and view all the answers

What does 'obstinately' mean?

Stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion or chosen course of action Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Characters and Creatures

Bilbo Baggins is a wealthy and respectable Hobbit living in The Hill, known for his predictable and safe lifestyle.
Hobbits are small, human-like beings, about half the height of humans, characterized by round bodies, hairy feet, brightly colored clothing, and a love for food.
Belladonna Took, Bilbo's adventurous mother, belongs to the Took clan, rumored to have fairy blood and a history of adventurous disappearances.

Plot Points

Gandalf arrives at Bilbo's doorstep seeking a companion for an adventure, claiming it has been difficult to find someone suitable.
Upon leaving Bilbo's home, Gandalf scratches a peculiar sign on the door that indicates something significant.
The next day, thirteen dwarves unexpectedly visit Bilbo for tea, marking the beginning of an adventure.
Gandalf's hard knocking on Bilbo's door leaves a dent and erases the secret mark he had previously placed.

Dwarves and Their Dynamics

The dwarves bring various instruments like fiddles, flutes, a drum, clarinets, viols, and a golden harp to accompany their singing.
Thorin, the leader of the dwarves, remains unhelpful and takes charge during discussions, indicating his authoritative role.

Key Events and Reactions

Bilbo is startled by Thorin's mention of potential dangers, leading him to shriek in fear, believing he has been struck by lightning after Gandalf's magical display.
Gandalf defends his choice of Bilbo as the fourteenth member for the expedition, threatening misfortune for the dwarves if they reject his decision.
Thorin recounts how Smaug the dragon ravaged their home, killed many dwarves, and stole their family's treasure.

Vocabulary and Definitions

Porthole: An opening or window in the side of a ship or aircraft, typically for light or air.
Belladonna: A toxic plant from the nightshade family, bearing purple flowers and black berries.
Absurd: Lacking rational order, often in a ridiculous manner.
Discreet: Exhibiting good judgement and self-restraint.
Scuttling: Refers to a shallow basket used for carrying items.
Flummoxed: Describes a state of being bewildered and confused.
Wretched: Indicates deep affliction or distress, either physical or emotional.
Parlour: A private sitting room in a home.
Kindling: Easily ignitable material used to start a fire.
Fetch: To go and bring something back.
Fender: The protective covering surrounding a vehicle's wheel well.
Audacious: Demonstrating boldness and a readiness to take risks.
Conspirator: An individual who participates in a conspiracy.
Remuneration: Payment for services rendered or work done.
Obstinately: Stubbornly refusing to change one’s views or actions.

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Description

Test your knowledge of the first two chapters of 'The Hobbit' with these flashcards. Learn about key characters like Bilbo Baggins and the unique traits of hobbits. Perfect for reinforcing your understanding of the story's beginnings.