Week+2+Discussion

1) Even though Gandalf is a great wizard, he is afraid of the Wargs and Goblins. When can fear be healthy? Talk about a time in your life when you have felt healthy fear.

2) Note the various ways in which Tolkien uses images of light and darkness - not only in these chapters, but also throughout The Hobbit. How do various characters and creatures react to light? What activities take place in the dark? How might you associate these with Jesus' words in [|John 3:19-21]?

3) Tolkien notes that goblins "make not beautiful things, but they make many clever ones." Why do you think he draws this distinction?

4) The author writes, "Now it is a strange thing, but things that are good to have and days that are good to spend are soon told about, and not much to listen to; while things that are uncomfortable, palpitating, and even gruesome, may make a good tale, and take a great deal of telling anyway." What does the author mean? Do you agree with his assessment? Why do you think this is true/not true?