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‘The Hobbit’ Story Group 1: An Unexpected Party

One great way to explore “The Hobbit” is by reading it yourself. Yet if reading stories is worship, we should also read and discuss this classic together. · E. Stephen Burnett

‘The Hobbit’ Story Group 2: Roast Mutton

In chapter 2, Bilbo Baggins, the reluctant member of Thorin Oakenshield’s Dwarf-company, first tries to put his “burglar” skills to the test. · E. Stephen Burnett

‘The Hobbit’ Story Group 3: A Short Rest

Do your fantasy-world Elves sing “tra-la-la-lally” from treetops? J.R.R. Tolkien’s do. And he entreats us to meet these unique Middle-earth residents in “The Hobbit,” chapter 3. · E. Stephen Burnett

‘The Hobbit’ Story Group 4: Over Hill and Under Hill

Reviewers, publishers, and readers keep making up Middle-earth myths, including the notion that it can’t have “stone-giants,” as mentioned in “The Hobbit” chapter 4. · E. Stephen Burnett

‘The Hobbit’ Story Group 5: Riddles In The Dark

“The Hobbit” chapter 5, “Riddles in the Dark,” marks a turning point in the careers of not only Bilbo Baggins, but J.R.R. Tolkien. · E. Stephen Burnett

‘The Hobbit’ Story Group 6: Out Of The Frying-Pan Into The Fire

(How) do you plan to see “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey”? Be prepared for the film to climax with an expanded version of the book’s chapter 6, “Out of the Frying Pan Into the Fire.” · E. Stephen Burnett

‘The Hobbit’ Story Group 7: Queer Lodgings

Tolkien introduces Beorn the non-“were-bear,” a creature of vague loyalties and mixed methods. · E. Stephen Burnett

‘The Hobbit’ Story Group 8: Flies and Spiders

In which the Dwarves’ company enters a fantasy forest corrupted by evil. · E. Stephen Burnett

‘The Hobbit’ Story Group 9: Barrels Out Of Bond

You’ll see Bilbo and the Dwarves escape in the new film version, yet Tolkien’s escape is much less visible. · E. Stephen Burnett

‘The Hobbit’ Story Group 10: A Warm Welcome

Tolkien tests his modified genre’s limits when The Hobbit’s road trip turns into political intrigue and even archetype parody. · E. Stephen Burnett
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