The Hobbit Chapter 12 Questions and Vocabluary

Chapter 12: “Inside Information” January 26, 2017

Summary

Bilbo enters the Side-door and, overcoming his fear, goes down a tunnel to Smaug’s lair. Overwhelmed by the splendor of the dragon-hoard, he steals a large cup and escapes. The theft arouses Smaug, who goes through the Front Gate, attacks the expedition on the mountainside, and drives them into the tunnel. Bilbo volunteers to explore the lair again. This time he has a perilous conversation with Smaug, during which he sees an unarmored patch on the dragon’s breast. Smaug later attacks their camp, but thanks to Bilbo’s forewarning the dwarves are safe, although trapped, inside the tunnel.

Comprehension Questions: Answer all questions in your group.

Group A

1. Who goes partway down the tunnel with Bilbo? 4 marks

2. What does Bilbo take from the hoard? 4 marks

3. Bilbo quotes two of his father’s sayings. What are they? 4 marks

Group B

1. Who is the real leader of the expedition? Justify your answer. 4 marks

2. What about Bilbo puzzles Smaug? Explain why this puzzles Smaug. 4 marks

3. What is the most important thing Bilbo learns from Smaug? 4 marks

4. What is the dragon-spell? Why are dwarves so susceptible to it? 6 marks

Group C

1. Explain the names that Bilbo gives himself when speaking with Smaug: “I come from under the hill . . . am the clue finder, the web-cutter, the stinging fly. I was chosen for the lucky number,” etc. (p. 223). How does each name relate to the story of his adventure? 8 marks

1. “Some [dwarves] are decent enough people like Thorin and Company, if you don’t expect too much” (p. 213).

2. What can Bilbo expect from the dwarves? 2 marks

3. What shouldn’t he expect? 4 marks

4. In chapter 12 Tolkien says “Going on from there was the bravest thing he ever did . . . he fought the real battle in the tunnel alone, before he ever saw the vast danger that lay in wait” (p. 215). According to this passage:

5. what is true courage? 2 marks

6. What abilities and character traits has Bilbo demonstrated so far? 4 marks

7. How do his earlier adventures prepare him for his confrontation with Smaug?

4 marks

Vocabulary: State the meaning of the following words as used in the chapter.

1. Pretense

2. Smoldering

3. Grievous

4. Cartage

5. Impenetrable

6. Waistcoat

7. Foreboding

8. Stealth

9. Vengeful

10. Treacherous

11. Flattery

12. Dissension

13. Susceptible

14. Epithets