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For Thursday: Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring, (Prologue) Chapters 1-2



NOTE: Reading the "Prologue" is suggested but optional, since it only delves into the background of the various races in the book, most notably, the Hobbits. It's not necessary to read this, but you might find it fascinating, especially if you're already a fan of the LOTR films. However, if you've never watched them, it could be too much information, and it arguably detracts from the story itself. Feel free to go right into Chapter 1 if you like. 

Answer TWO of the following as always:

Q1: How do the hobbits view Gandalf and much of the outside world? Even though they live in an enchanted realm where elves, dwarves, trolls, etc., exist, what is their attitude toward much of it? Related to this, why might it be important to begin Tolkien's story here, rather than in a more enchanted place among the elves, or with Gandalf himself? 

Q2: Bilbo, though a relatively minor character in this book, was the protagonist of Tolkien's earlier work, The Hobbit, and he and Gandalf had a close relationship in that book. How does Tolkien present their relationship so many years later in Chapter 1? Even though Bilbo is 111 years old, what makes their banter humorous, but also, a little disconcerting? (and if you've read The Hobbit, is the Bilbo you remember from that book?) 

Q3: Why does Gandalf tell Frodo so much about Gollum, the creature who possessed the Ring for so long, until Bilbo stole it away from him? What is Gollum's importance to Gandalf, and what does he want Frodo to see/understand about him?

Q4: What does Gandalf mean when he tells Frodo, "Behind that there was something else at work, beyond any design of the Ring-maker...Bilbo was meant to find the Ring, and not by its maker. In which case you were also meant to have it. And that may be an encouraging thought." Who could have 'meant' him to find it, if not the Ring-Maker (Sauron), or the Ring itself? And what makes this "encouraging"?

Q5: Though Alice in Wonderland is the most obvious connection to this novel, how might there also be strains of Heart of Darkness in these early chapters? Where do we see/hear echoes of Kurtz in these early chapters? Or even Frankenstein and Pride and Prejudice? Why might we argue that Tolkien is weaving the strands of many different kinds of books into one great epic here? 

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