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The Hobbit Discussion Questions

Question March 11, 2010
=== - Choose one conflict in The Hobbit, and explain how Tolkien uses it to move the story forward. I chose a character on character conflict, when Bilbo awoke to find a venomous spider crawly swiftly towards him. I picked this conflict because I love stories with human beings (or in this case a hobbit) in an aggressive battle with savage creatures, which in this case is the spider. I believe Tolkien used this conflict to move the story forward by expressing the dangers of natures creatures. If Bilbo didn't defeat this vicious and savage spider then the journey that they were undertaking would have probably come to a sudden halt. The dwarves needed Bilbo to come along as their thief, to steal the precious treasure that they so dearly wanted to recover. But if they didn't have Bilbo then the dwarves lives and journey would come to a end. And another affect with not having Bilbo with them would cause the story to loose interest and appeal. The point is that Bilbo is the key person in making this story alive and fun. === I agree! Bilbo makes it VERY fun! His thoughts are always so kind and precious. But I would suggest that this is not character on character - but as you said - character against NATURE. Spiders are not really characters. Of course in fantasy, ANYTHING can be a character, so I understand the confusion! Mrs. Best