The Hobbit Lesson Plan

Thorin, Son of Thrain, Son of Thror, King Under the Mountain

Kind of Activity:

Individual Writing

Objective:

Read different opinions on the racial connotations of dwarven representation.

Common Core Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.R.4

Structure:

Tolkien scholars have long suggested that the dwarves, in their quest to reclaim their homeland, are a representation of the Jewish people. Read the following article, which poses the idea that Tolkien's dwarves may be a "conscious inversion" of negative Jewish stereotypes.

http://www.timesofisrael.com/are-tolkiens-dwarves-an-allegory-for-the-jews/

Then, have your students read the "Dwarves as Jews"...