What Can Be Inferred About Bilbo's Character from Chapter 3 of The Hobbit?

Part A What inference can be drawn about Bilbo's character base on Chapter 3 of The Hobbit? He is curious about the world around him. He doesn’t understand the danger of the outside world. He is confused about the goals of the expedition. He is uncomfortable with the encounters on the journey.

Part A: He is curious about the world around him.

Exploring Bilbo's Character in Chapter 3 of The Hobbit

Bilbo Baggins, the protagonist of J.R.R. Tolkien's novel The Hobbit, exhibits various traits and characteristics throughout his journey. In Chapter 3, we see that Bilbo is characterized by his curiosity about the world around him. This curiosity is evident in his interactions with the other characters and his surroundings.

In the chapter, Bilbo shows a keen interest in learning about moon-letters, rune-letters that can only be seen when the moon shines behind them. This curiosity is further highlighted by his excitement when asking questions and engaging in discussions with Elrond about these mysterious letters. This demonstrates that Bilbo is eager to understand and explore the unknown aspects of his world.

Bilbo's curiosity is also reflected in his reactions to new experiences during the journey to Rivendell. Despite facing challenges and unfamiliar situations, such as slipping down a steep path and encountering the grandeur of the Misty Mountains, Bilbo remains curious and engaged with his surroundings. He asks questions, seeks information, and tries to make sense of the world he is discovering.

Overall, Chapter 3 of The Hobbit portrays Bilbo as a character who possesses a genuine curiosity about the world around him. This curiosity drives his actions, shapes his interactions with others, and ultimately plays a significant role in his growth and development throughout the story.

Part B Which excerpts from Chapter 3 best support the answer in Part A? Select the two correct answers. 1: "What are moon-letters? asked the hobbit full of excitement... 2: “Don’t dip your beard in the foam, father!... 3: Bilbo never forgot the way they slithered and slipped... 4: "Is that The Mountain? asked Bilbo in a solemn voice...

Part A: "What are moon-letters? asked the hobbit full of excitement." Part B: "Is that The Mountain? asked Bilbo in a solemn voice..."

Supporting Textual Evidence from Chapter 3 of The Hobbit

Textual excerpts from Chapter 3 of The Hobbit provide valuable insight into Bilbo's character and support the inference of his curiosity about the world around him. The following passages best exemplify this trait:

1: "What are moon-letters? asked the hobbit full of excitement... This dialogue showcases Bilbo's enthusiasm and interest in learning about the mysterious moon-letters, highlighting his curiosity and thirst for knowledge.

4: "Is that The Mountain? asked Bilbo in a solemn voice... Bilbo's reaction to seeing the grandeur of the Misty Mountains reflects his sense of wonder and curiosity about the world beyond the known, indicating his genuine interest in exploring new territories and experiences.

These excerpts not only capture Bilbo's curiosity but also illustrate how this trait shapes his interactions with the environment and characters in The Hobbit, setting the stage for his transformative journey and character development throughout the novel.