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The Hobbit
Chapter 12 Questions
1. On the nature of dwarves, the narrator tells explains: “The most that can be said for the dwarves is this:
they intended to pay Bilbo really handsomely for his services; they had brought him to do a nasty job for them, and
they did not mind the poor little fellow doing it if he would; but they would all have done their best to get him out
of trouble, if he got into it. . . . There it is: dwarves are not heroes, but calculating folk with a great idea of the value
of money; some are tricky and treacherous and pretty bad lots; some are not, but are decent enough people like
Thorin and Company, if you don’t expect too much.” What is the narrator saying in general about dwarves? What
other instances have we seen in the story so far to support this?
2. From the time he steps into the tunnel leading to Smaug’s lair to his second encounter with the dragon, Bilbo’s
feelings change dramatically. Describe Bilbo’s emotions through these scenes, and consider why he feels these
things. What causes him to change his feelings so much in such a short period of time?
3. In addition to the traits that he shares with classic literary dragons (an armored hide, fire breath, greed and love
for treasure), Smaug also is extremely clever, happily participating in a riddle game with Bilbo. Why do you think
the dragon prefers this way of speech? Why does Bilbo give away more information to Smaug than is safe?