Tolkien Bio.pdf

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien lived from 1892 to 1973, and his life spanned significant events, but he was more drawn to the English countryside, stories, and myths. He loved language, learned several languages, and became a philologist, inventing two languages. Tolkien's experiences in World War I and the loss of friends inspired his mythology. He was influenced by his wife, Edith, friend C.S. Lewis, and children, and wrote stories, including "The Hobbit," which was published in 1937 and became a classic. The story begins with "In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit," introducing Bilbo Baggins, a well-to-do hobbit, and other characters like Gandalf, dwarves, and the dragon Smaug.

1. Mr. Baggins was not quite so prosy as he liked to believe: He was not as talkative or long-winded as he thought.
2. who was feeling positively flummoxed: Completely bewildered or perplexed.
3. the depredations of dragons: The destructive or plundering actions of dragons.
4. Thorin with his feet on the fender: Thorin sitting with his feet on the fireplace or heater.
5. this most excellent and audacious hobbit: This extremely good and daring hobbit.
6. The estimable Mr. Baggins: The respected or admired Mr. Baggins.
7. singed beards: Beards that have been burned or scorched.

1. The Tooks are not richer than the Bagginses, but they are known for their adventures, which may make them seem less respectable to some hobbits.
2. The dwarves are planning to reclaim their treasure and home from the dragon Smaug.
3. Gandalf says Bilbo is "as fierce as a dragon in a pinch" because he believes Bilbo has hidden strengths and abilities that will emerge in difficult situations.
4. Gandalf chooses Bilbo because he thinks Bilbo has the potential to be brave and resourceful, and he wants to help the dwarves on their quest.