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                							Reading Group: The Hobbit - NarniaWeb Forum                                    </title>
                <link>https://community-dev.narniaweb.com/community/reading-group-the-hobbit/</link>
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                					                    <item>
                        <title>Closing Announcement</title>
                        <link>https://community-dev.narniaweb.com/community/reading-group-the-hobbit/closing-announcement/</link>
                        <pubDate>Fri, 30 Aug 2013 10:13:53 +0000</pubDate>
                        <description><![CDATA[The Hobbit Reading group will be closing September 20th. Until then you may still post comments.]]></description>
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[<span style="color:#800080">The Hobbit Reading group will be closing September 20th. Until then you may still post comments. <img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/1.gif" alt=":)" title="Happy" /> </span>]]></content:encoded>
                        <category domain="https://community-dev.narniaweb.com/community/reading-group-the-hobbit/">Reading Group: The Hobbit</category>                        <dc:creator>Pattertwigs Pal</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://community-dev.narniaweb.com/community/reading-group-the-hobbit/closing-announcement/</guid>
                    </item>
                                        <item>
                        <title>Chapter the Last: The Last Stage</title>
                        <link>https://community-dev.narniaweb.com/community/reading-group-the-hobbit/chapter-the-last-the-last-stage/</link>
                        <pubDate>Sat, 26 Jan 2013 21:12:15 +0000</pubDate>
                        <description><![CDATA[1. At the beginning of the book, Tolkien writes, “Well you will see if he gained anything in the end.” Do you think he gained anything? If yes, what?
2. What do you think about the way the H...]]></description>
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[1. At the beginning of the book, Tolkien writes, “Well you will see if he gained anything in the end.” Do you think he gained anything? If yes, what?
2. What do you think about the way the Hobbits handled Bilbo’s return? What do you think of the way he dealt with the problems he found? 
3. The death of the Master merits one last mention of dragon-sickness. Do you think that dragon-sickness was simply a love of gold, or is there more to it? Out of all those who were touched by it, who do you think dealt with it in the best manner, and why?

Overall, what do you think of the resolution to the story? Are there any changes/additions you would like to see? If so, what and why?]]></content:encoded>
                        <category domain="https://community-dev.narniaweb.com/community/reading-group-the-hobbit/">Reading Group: The Hobbit</category>                        <dc:creator>Lady Arwen</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://community-dev.narniaweb.com/community/reading-group-the-hobbit/chapter-the-last-the-last-stage/</guid>
                    </item>
                                        <item>
                        <title>Chapter 18 The Return Journey</title>
                        <link>https://community-dev.narniaweb.com/community/reading-group-the-hobbit/chapter-18-the-return-journey/</link>
                        <pubDate>Sat, 19 Jan 2013 09:58:00 +0000</pubDate>
                        <description><![CDATA[1. Bilbo describes victory as &quot;a very gloomy business.&quot; Why do you think Bilbo said that? How do you think Tolkien&#039;s personal experience might have prompted this statement?

2. The...]]></description>
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[1. Bilbo describes victory as &quot;a very gloomy business.&quot; Why do you think Bilbo said that? How do you think Tolkien's personal experience might have prompted this statement?

2. The Arkenstone is buried with Thorin. What could the Arkenstone have symbolized, and what might its connection with Thorin's family and its burial symbolize?

3. The Elvenking gives a strange blessing to Bilbo. Tolkien writes that he is very grave when he says it, yet it is quite funny in its entirety. Why do you think Tolkien gave it this contrast? Does the graveness make the humor stronger, or take away from it?

4. Bilbo tells himself “you made a great mess of that business with the stone.” Do you agree with him? Why or why not?]]></content:encoded>
                        <category domain="https://community-dev.narniaweb.com/community/reading-group-the-hobbit/">Reading Group: The Hobbit</category>                        <dc:creator>Pattertwigs Pal</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://community-dev.narniaweb.com/community/reading-group-the-hobbit/chapter-18-the-return-journey/</guid>
                    </item>
                                        <item>
                        <title>Chapter 17: The Clouds Burst</title>
                        <link>https://community-dev.narniaweb.com/community/reading-group-the-hobbit/chapter-17-the-clouds-burst/</link>
                        <pubDate>Sun, 13 Jan 2013 03:31:01 +0000</pubDate>
                        <description><![CDATA[1. Why do you think Bilbo panicked and blew his cover? How is this like is moment of panic back in Hobbiton, and how is it different?

2. How do you think the Goblins and Bolg successfully n...]]></description>
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[1. Why do you think Bilbo panicked and blew his cover? How is this like is moment of panic back in Hobbiton, and how is it different?

2. How do you think the Goblins and Bolg successfully navigated gathering so many and managed to get to the Lonely Mountain so quickly?

3. In Lord of the Rings, unnatural darkness is associated with Sauron, especially when he sends out his troops. Why do you think darkness came with the goblins in the battle of five armies?

4. In a very short amount of time, the warring factions regroup to fight the Goblins, and are at first successful. Why was their strategy effective, and what did it lose its effectiveness later on?

5. Why do you think Bilbo wished to make his last stand defending the Elven king?

6. Why would Bilbo be the most fond of recalling in later years the battle and the most proud of it, when it was his worse experience and he didn’t play an important role in it? 

7. What do you think of the dwarves’ behavior in this chapter?]]></content:encoded>
                        <category domain="https://community-dev.narniaweb.com/community/reading-group-the-hobbit/">Reading Group: The Hobbit</category>                        <dc:creator>Lady Arwen</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://community-dev.narniaweb.com/community/reading-group-the-hobbit/chapter-17-the-clouds-burst/</guid>
                    </item>
                                        <item>
                        <title>Chapter 16 A Thief in the Night</title>
                        <link>https://community-dev.narniaweb.com/community/reading-group-the-hobbit/chapter-16-a-thief-in-the-night/</link>
                        <pubDate>Sat, 05 Jan 2013 11:10:19 +0000</pubDate>
                        <description><![CDATA[1. Thorin again expresses his obsession with the Arkenstone, even giving a sort of curse on whoever finds it and withholds it. Why do you think he is so obsessed with this?

2. Bilbo seems a...]]></description>
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[1. Thorin again expresses his obsession with the Arkenstone, even giving a sort of curse on whoever finds it and withholds it. Why do you think he is so obsessed with this?

2. Bilbo seems a bit blustery and official as he speaks with Bard, but he seems to use much more tact and wisdom than Thorin. What differences do see between his negotiations with Bard, and Thorin's? What similarities are there?

3. Why do you think Gandalf waited so long to reveal himself to Bilbo?

4. Bilbo says “… I am an honest one , I hope, more or less” What do you think? Is he a more or less honest burglar? Why or Why not? Does it depend on whose point of view it is being evaluated from?]]></content:encoded>
                        <category domain="https://community-dev.narniaweb.com/community/reading-group-the-hobbit/">Reading Group: The Hobbit</category>                        <dc:creator>Pattertwigs Pal</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://community-dev.narniaweb.com/community/reading-group-the-hobbit/chapter-16-a-thief-in-the-night/</guid>
                    </item>
                                        <item>
                        <title>Chapter 15-The Gathering of the Clouds</title>
                        <link>https://community-dev.narniaweb.com/community/reading-group-the-hobbit/chapter-15-the-gathering-of-the-clouds/</link>
                        <pubDate>Sat, 29 Dec 2012 16:09:01 +0000</pubDate>
                        <description><![CDATA[1. What do you think of the way Thorin and Bard conducted themselves in their negotiations? Are there things they should have done or said differently?
2. Why do you think the ravens had suc...]]></description>
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[1. What do you think of the way Thorin and Bard conducted themselves in their negotiations? Are there things they should have done or said differently?
2. Why do you think the ravens had such good connections with the dwarves? Do you think the dragon spell might account for Thorin not taking Roac's advice?
3. Do you think Thorin would have listened to Bard if the Elvenking had not been present? What did the elves presence change about the dwarf/man relationship?]]></content:encoded>
                        <category domain="https://community-dev.narniaweb.com/community/reading-group-the-hobbit/">Reading Group: The Hobbit</category>                        <dc:creator>Lady Arwen</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://community-dev.narniaweb.com/community/reading-group-the-hobbit/chapter-15-the-gathering-of-the-clouds/</guid>
                    </item>
                                        <item>
                        <title>Chapter 14- Fire and Water</title>
                        <link>https://community-dev.narniaweb.com/community/reading-group-the-hobbit/chapter-14-fire-and-water/</link>
                        <pubDate>Sun, 16 Dec 2012 10:27:59 +0000</pubDate>
                        <description><![CDATA[1. What do you think about the master of the Town as a leader? What are his strengths as weaknesses? 

2. Compare and Contrast Bard and the Master of the Town. (areas to consider: cleverness...]]></description>
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[1. What do you think about the master of the Town as a leader? What are his strengths as weaknesses? 

2. Compare and Contrast Bard and the Master of the Town. (areas to consider: cleverness, leadership skills, bravery, etc.)

3. The people initially react to Smaug's arrival by thinking the river is running with gold. If they had a more stable grasp on metal proprieties, do you think they could have better prepared for Smaug's arrival? 

4. Why were the men of the race of Dale able to understand the language of the birds?

5. What do you think Tolkien meant when he wrote that &quot;Smaug shot spouting into the air&quot;?]]></content:encoded>
                        <category domain="https://community-dev.narniaweb.com/community/reading-group-the-hobbit/">Reading Group: The Hobbit</category>                        <dc:creator>Pattertwigs Pal</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://community-dev.narniaweb.com/community/reading-group-the-hobbit/chapter-14-fire-and-water/</guid>
                    </item>
                                        <item>
                        <title>An Unexpected Journey: The Movie Version</title>
                        <link>https://community-dev.narniaweb.com/community/reading-group-the-hobbit/an-unexpected-journey-the-movie-version/</link>
                        <pubDate>Sun, 16 Dec 2012 10:08:44 +0000</pubDate>
                        <description><![CDATA[Greetings, Tolkienites!

Here is your official place to discuss all the aspects of the film. Because this is a separate thread, we are not asking that people use spoiler boxes, so enter and ...]]></description>
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[Greetings, Tolkienites!

Here is your official place to discuss all the aspects of the film. Because this is a separate thread, we are not asking that people use spoiler boxes, so enter and read at your own risk. 

For me, I absolutely loved the film and was very pleased with it. It was a bit darker than I expected, but I suppose that is ok. There were only two or three moments that I didn't really like, and most of those were process, rather than content, issues. I didn't like that they used the theme for evil from Moria for Thorin's descent from the tree, since he is being rather heroic at that moment. I also didn't like that the apology to Bilbo sounded as gruff as it did--I think the exact same lines, delivered in a different manner, would have been much better. 

On the other hand, I loved that they included so many of the songs, and I loved the Hobbiton scenes, and Riddles in the Dark was just... <img src="{SMILIES_PATH}/105.gif" alt=":ymdaydream:" title="Day dreaming" /> 

What do you all think?]]></content:encoded>
                        <category domain="https://community-dev.narniaweb.com/community/reading-group-the-hobbit/">Reading Group: The Hobbit</category>                        <dc:creator>Lady Arwen</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://community-dev.narniaweb.com/community/reading-group-the-hobbit/an-unexpected-journey-the-movie-version/</guid>
                    </item>
                                        <item>
                        <title>Chapter 13- Not At Home</title>
                        <link>https://community-dev.narniaweb.com/community/reading-group-the-hobbit/chapter-13-not-at-home/</link>
                        <pubDate>Sun, 16 Dec 2012 09:57:04 +0000</pubDate>
                        <description><![CDATA[1. What do you think about Bilbo’s decision not to tell the dwarves about the Arkenstone?
2. Why do you think Bilbo felt the need to take and hide the Arkenstone?
3. While most of the dwarve...]]></description>
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[1. What do you think about Bilbo’s decision not to tell the dwarves about the Arkenstone?
2. Why do you think Bilbo felt the need to take and hide the Arkenstone?
3. While most of the dwarves are searching feverishly for the Arkenstone, Fili and Kili begin to play music. Why do you think their reaction was different from the other dwarves?
4. Biblo said that he &quot;feels magnificent, but I expect I look rather absurd.&quot; What do you think his response would be if he did see himself in a looking glass?]]></content:encoded>
                        <category domain="https://community-dev.narniaweb.com/community/reading-group-the-hobbit/">Reading Group: The Hobbit</category>                        <dc:creator>Lady Arwen</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://community-dev.narniaweb.com/community/reading-group-the-hobbit/chapter-13-not-at-home/</guid>
                    </item>
                                        <item>
                        <title>Chapter 12: Inside Information</title>
                        <link>https://community-dev.narniaweb.com/community/reading-group-the-hobbit/chapter-12-inside-information/</link>
                        <pubDate>Sat, 08 Dec 2012 13:12:18 +0000</pubDate>
                        <description><![CDATA[1. When Smaug first leaves the mountain to attack, Thorin sends Balin, Kili, Fili, and Bilbo inside while the rest rescue Bofur and Bombur. Why do you think he chose those four to be safe?
2...]]></description>
                        <content:encoded><![CDATA[1. When Smaug first leaves the mountain to attack, Thorin sends Balin, Kili, Fili, and Bilbo inside while the rest rescue Bofur and Bombur. Why do you think he chose those four to be safe?
2. How well do you think Bilbo handled his encounter with the dragon? 
3. What do you think of Bilbo's riddles? Why were they so important? What do you think of Smaug's response to them?
4. What do you think of Smaug's folly of revealing his waistcoat?
5. Thorin seems to have an obsession with the Arkenstone. Why do you think he treasures it so?]]></content:encoded>
                        <category domain="https://community-dev.narniaweb.com/community/reading-group-the-hobbit/">Reading Group: The Hobbit</category>                        <dc:creator>Lady Arwen</dc:creator>
                        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://community-dev.narniaweb.com/community/reading-group-the-hobbit/chapter-12-inside-information/</guid>
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