Bilbo's Journey: The Reluctant Hero Begins
Exploring Chapters 1-3 of The Hobbit Understanding the Hero's Journey Year 10 English - NZ Curriculum
WALT: We Are Learning To
Understand the main events of Chapters 1-3 Explain how Bilbo begins his journey from comfort toward adventure Identify key characters and their roles Recognize the stages of the hero's journey Analyze themes of comfort vs adventure
Starter Question
What makes someone a hero? • Bravery? • Strength? • Intelligence? • Being forced into danger? Choose one and explain to your partner
Meet Bilbo Baggins
Lives peacefully in Bag-End Comfort-loving and predictable Values routine and security Polite but cautious Represents the 'ordinary world'
Chapter 1: An Unexpected Party
Gandalf arrives talking about adventure Bilbo firmly rejects the idea Thirteen dwarves arrive unexpectedly Thorin explains the quest to reclaim treasure from Smaug Bilbo is chosen as the 'burglar' Despite fear, Bilbo feels curious
Key Characters in Chapter 1
{"left":"Bilbo Baggins: Comfort-loving, polite, nervous, ordinary hobbit who values security\nGandalf: Mysterious wizard guide, catalyst who pushes Bilbo toward adventure","right":"Thorin Oakenshield: Proud dwarf leader seeking to reclaim his homeland and inheritance\nThe Dwarves: Bring disorder, history, songs, and the dangerous quest to Bilbo's door"}
The Call to Adventure
'I am looking for someone to share in an adventure that I am arranging, and it's very difficult to find anyone.' - Gandalf to Bilbo This moment changes everything for our reluctant hero
Chapter 2: Roast Mutton
Bilbo wakes late - the dwarves have left Gandalf pushes him to join the quest Bilbo runs off without proper preparation First encounter with danger: three trolls Bilbo attempts to be a burglar but fails Gandalf saves them by tricking the trolls
Tracking Bilbo's Growth
Complete the character development chart: Chapter 1: Bilbo's starting point Chapter 2: His first challenge What does he learn from failure? How is he changing?
Themes in Chapters 1-2
Comfort vs Adventure Home and Belonging Hidden Potential Growth Through Failure The Beginning of Coming of Age
Chapter 3: A Short Rest
The company reaches Rivendell Safe, peaceful, and beautiful refuge Elrond welcomes and helps them Moon-letters reveal secret door location Ancient swords are identified Preparation for greater dangers ahead
Elrond: The Wise Helper
{"left":"Provides safe refuge for the company\nReads the ancient map and reveals moon-letters showing secret door location","right":"Identifies the swords as ancient weapons of great importance\nOffers wisdom and guidance before the dangerous journey continues"}
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