Hobbit Book Chapters
Chapter 1 – An Unexpected Party
In “An Unexpected Party” we are introduced to the main characters in The Hobbit, including Gandalf, Bilbo, and the 13 Dwarves. This chapter describes how Bilbo, a simple hobbit, first gets involved in an adventure to the Lonely Mountain.
We start this chapter in the Shire, the beautiful, grassy land of hobbit-folk. We begin our tale at a particularly pleasant hobbit-hole. Outside is Bilbo Baggins, a respectable hobbit who never goes on any adventures or does anything of that outlandish sort. He is sitting outside enjoying the day, having a good smoke with his pipe, when he is interrupted by the wizard Gandalf.
Bilbo, not realizing who he is, greets him with “Good Morning!”
Gandalf replies: “What do you mean? Do you wish me a good morning, or mean that it is a good morning whether I like it or not; or that you feel good this morning, or that it is a morning to be good on?”
“All of them at once!” Bilbo replies.
After this, Gandalf explains who he is and that he is looking for someone to take part in an adventure he is planning. After hearing Gandalf’s name Bilbo flashes back to pleasant memories of Gandalf’s excellent fireworks. He does not, however, have any interest in any of Gandalf’s adventures. With a quick good-bye he invites Gandalf to tea next morning and quickly retreats into his lovely hobbit-hole. But before leaving, Gandalf lowers his staff to Bilbo’s round door. There is a brilliant red flash and a strange symbol appears on the door.
Bilbo goes to bed talking to himself of how silly adventures are. Then, we hear a knock at the door and Bilbo wakes back up remembering the events of the day before. Bilbo runs about in a panic getting out the tea for Gandalf. After scurrying about for a while and yelling “just a minute!” several times, he runs to get the door.
As Bilbo peeps through the peephole and outside is Dwalin the dwarf!
Dwalin gives his greeting “Dwalin at your service.” Bilbo replies politely, but in a panic. The tension builds as he answers the door time and time again to find more dwarves. Finally, Gandalf shows up. By this time there are 13 dwarves present! Bilbo does his best to feed them all, and while he is running around like a maid, the dwarves talk of gold and treasure.
The dwarves stay late into the day talking and discussing businness. During this time, Gandalf and Thorin make a game of blowing smoke rings which chase one another around the house. After they have eaten, the dwarves play a song about treasure and the Lonely Mountain.
Finally, they discuss business, and Thorin begins his speach. He begins by saying they are going on a dangerous journey on which they might not return. At this, Bilbo gives out a shriek and passes out.
Gandalf assures the dwarves that Bilbo is just a little excitable.
When Bilbo comes to, he hears Gloin saying “He looks more like a grocer than a burglar.” This is more than Bilbo can take, he strongly rebukes Gloin, and finally sets his mind to going along on this adventure.
At this point Thorin begins telling the history of the treasure and laying out their mission. After Thorin’s Tale, Gandalf tells of a map made by Thorin’s grandfather. This map tells of a magical secret entrance to the Lonely Mountain. After his tale they decide to retire for the night.
Essential Quote- “We like the Dark. Dark for Dark Business” -Thorin
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