The Hobbit

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. Bilbo transforms from a comfort-loving hobbit to a courageous hero throughout his journey. Which moments in his transformation resonated most with you, and why did these particular changes feel significant?

2. How did you respond to Tolkien’s balance of lighthearted adventure with more serious themes of greed, courage, and loyalty? In what ways does this storytelling approach compare to C. S. Lewis’s narrative style in The Chronicles of Narnia series (e.g., The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe)? If you have not read Lewis’s work, what other novels would you compare this one to?

3. The novel presents diverse magical races, including hobbits, dwarves, elves, and goblins, each with distinct cultures and values. Which of these fantasy elements created the most vivid impression, and what made them compelling to you?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Bilbo often yearns for his hobbit hole and its comforts during his adventure. When have you felt torn between seeking new experiences and retreating to familiar surroundings? How did you resolve that tension?