Final answer:
The monstrous qualities of three characters in 'The Hobbit' include Smaug's enormous greed, Gollum's obsessive preciousness, and the Trolls' voracious appetite. Beorn, however, is a shape-shifter and his ferocious transformations are not inherently monstrous, as he can be friendly and protective. Option b is the correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
In J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Hobbit', each monster that is encountered by Bilbo Baggins and his companions has specific qualities that contribute to their monstrous nature. The first monster, Smaug, is characterized by his enormous greed. Smaug's lust for gold and possessions is what drives him to hoard the vast treasure of Erebor and fiercely guard it against any who dare to reclaim it or add to it. This greed is not only evident in his refusal to part with any piece of his treasure but also in his constant need to count and recount his riches, showing an obsession that borders on madness.
The second monster, Gollum, possesses an obsessive preciousness, which is demonstrated by his unhealthy attachment to the One Ring, which he refers to as 'my Precious'. This object exerts such control over Gollum that it alters his personality, leading him into a duality of being that is both pitiful and dangerous. The obsession consumes him to the point where he is willing to kill or betray to reclaim or protect it.
The third monstrous group in the tale, the Trolls, showcase their monstrosity through a voracious appetite. They are depicted as large and dim-witted creatures who think of nothing but eating. This appetite is not limited to what might be considered normal sustenance, as they are also willing to consume dwarves and possibly other sentient creatures, highlighting their monstrous nature by their disregard for the lives of others.
While Beorn is included in the list, he differs from the others in that he is not a monster but rather a shape-shifter who can transform into a bear. His ferocious transformations can indeed be terrifying but they are not inherently monstrous as Beorn is capable of being friendly and protective, especially towards those he considers allies.