Honors English – 9



Honors English – 9

Introductory Reading Activity

Selection: The Hobbit or There and Back Again by J.R.R. Tolkien

Rationale: This text contains strong examples of the elements of literature

incorporated into the 9th grade honors English curriculum. More

importantly, this book will serve as a bridge between 8th grade

knowledge of literary elements and the 9th grade honors focus on

analysis of these elements.

Objectives: To enjoy reading and responding to the book in its entirety.

To understand how a writer develops the elements of literature.

Assignment: We strongly recommend you examine the questions prior to

reading the novel. You are encouraged to purchase your own book to build your own library, or you may borrow one from any public library. Read the entire book and complete all questions / activities.

Specific Instructions: Please word-process your answers (12 pt. Times New Roman).

Answer all questions (and all the parts of each question) in complete

sentences unless otherwise indicated.

Questions / Activities:

1. J.R.R. Tolkien uses The Hobbit to introduce a variety of characters, which he will further develop in his sequel The Lord of the Rings. Create a character chart/table – adding to it as needed for each new set of characters you are introduced to AND as characters change. Under each group, list the characteristics/traits. For (incomplete) example:

|Hobbits |Dwarves |Wizards |

|Bilbo Baggins | | |

|smaller than a dwarf | | |

|shy | | |

|good natured | | |

|loves to eat | | |

2. Select one of the characters from above and create a Bio-Poem following these line-by-line instructions. You may complete the line with single words or with phrases. Your objective is to show the depth of your understanding about the character. Don’t forget a title (save this for after completion of the novel).

Line 1-- First Name

Line 2-- Title given to the character

Line 3-- Four words that describe the character

Line 4-- Lover of (three items, objects or ideas)

Line 5-- Who believes (one idea or concept)

Line 6-- Who wants (three things)

Line 7-- Who uses (three things)

Line 8-- Who gives (three things)

Line 9-- Who says (a direct quote – see question 7 for MLA format)

Line 10-- Last name or synonymous descriptor

3. “Out of the Frying Pan into the Fire” is the title of chapter VI and “…just tighten our belts…” is another phrase Tolkien uses in this chapter. These are also idioms – a common figure of speech whose meaning is different from the literal meaning of its words. (You are probably familiar with “raining cats and dogs.”) What do these sayings mean as they pertain to Bilbo’s adventure? What do they mean if used in your modern everyday life?

4. Chapter VIII - How and why is Bilbo changing? Use specific examples from the text.

5. Chapter XII – “He fought the real battle in the tunnel alone…” What is Bilbo’s real battle? Explain why Tolkien refers to it as a battle.

6. In chapter XII, Tolkien employs great imagery – descriptive words and phrases that appeal to one or more of the five senses – in his descriptions. To what sense(s) does Tolkien appeal? Using imagery, describe in a paragraph Smaug and his lair as first viewed by Bilbo.

7. In chapter XVII, why does the Battle of Five Armies begin? Find a passage that supports your theory and quote it exactly in MLA format: “quoted line(s) in quotation marks” (authors last name, page # in parentheses). For example: “Now he drew it out” (Tolkien 77).

8. Chapter XVIII finds Thorin Oakenshield, King under the Mountain, explaining his last words to Bilbo. How would you explain them as lesson a person may learn in life?

9. Bilbo recites the last poem in the book. Examine and explain this poem using the following poetic devices. Discuss how they helped or hindered your understanding and

enjoyment of the poem.

End rhyme – rhyme that occurs at the end of lines

Repetition – a technique in which a sound, word, phrase, or line is repeated for emphasis or unity.

Meaning/Theme – underlying message about life or human nature that the author wants the reader to understand.

10. From where is the title, The Hobbit or There and Back Again, derived?

Assessment: A range (100-90) – Answers indicate critical and close reading, thoughtful

engagement and analysis. Very few if any grammatical or formatting errors are

present. Academic voice. All directions are followed.

B range (89-80) – Answers predominately indicate critical and close reading,

and mostly thoughtful engagement and analysis. Some, although few,

grammatical or formatting errors may be present. Academic voice. All

directions are followed.

C range (79-70) – Answers indicate some critical and close reading and

analysis, although understanding of the text may be not in depth or just

skimming the surface. Very few if any grammatical or formatting errors are

present. Academic voice. All directions are followed.

D or F range (69-0) – Responses are not acceptable for honors level work. It is

unclear whether the book was read or understood. Multiple errors in grammar,

voice and / or formatting may be present.

This will count for 50 points in the Homework Category.

Due Date: The completed questions / activities are due – Word-processed, 12 font, Times New Roman (or similar), on Wednesday, August 11, 2010

A copy of this assignment is available on-line at the Hamilton website:



Questions: (please put “summer reading” in the subject line of your e-mail)

Moore.Diana@chandler.k12.az.us Carr.Phyllis@chandler.k12.az.us

Coburn.Marsha@chandler.k12.az.us Johannes.Hilary@chandler.k12.az.us

Books are available at all libraries, Changing Hands Book Store, and Barnes and Noble

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