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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. When does Tolkien begin using a typewriter for his letters?
(a) July 1963.
(b) July 1964.
(c) April 1966.
(d) April 1965.

2. What is the only date found on Letter #182?
(a) 1956.
(b) 1955.
(c) June, 1955.
(d) January, 1956.

3. In what year is Letter #253 written?
(a) 1962.
(b) 1964.
(c) 1963.
(d) 1964.

4. What does Tolkien think drives humans towards certain behaviors?
(a) They are driven by circumstances as well as other things.
(b) They are driven exclusively by circumstances.
(c) They are driven by the people around them.
(d) They are driven by their education and culture.

5. According to Tolkien in Letter #246, what would have happened if Gandalf wore the ring?
(a) Tolkien is not sure.
(b) He would have been better than Sauron.
(c) He would have been worse than Sauron.
(d) He would have been the same as Sauron.

6. What year does Tolkien write a long letter to Jane Neave that is included in "Later Years"?
(a) 1961.
(b) 1962.
(c) 1963.
(d) 1960.

7. Based on the information provided by Tolkien in Letter #261, which Ireland Province was C.S. Lewis from?
(a) Leinster.
(b) Connacht.
(c) Ulster.
(d) Munster.

8. Which two characters have a dynamic that Tolkien thinks has a great effect on the events in The Lord of Rings?
(a) Gandalf and Sauron.
(b) Frodo and Gollum.
(c) Gandalf and Gollum.
(d) Frodo and Gandalf.

9. Which literary technique does Tolkien not appreciate?
(a) Alliteration.
(b) Allegory.
(c) Metaphor.
(d) Analogy.

10. How heroic does Tolkien think Frodo is in Letter #246?
(a) He thinks that Frodo is mostly a hero, but not fully.
(b) He does not think that Frodo is a hero.
(c) He thinks that Frodo is only heroic in two situations.
(d) He thinks that Frodo is a hero.

11. Based on Tolkien's assessment in Letter #246, what drives Frodo to embark on the incredible journey?
(a) The need to do what is right and the love of a friend.
(b) The love of a friend and loyalty.
(c) The need to do what is right, the love of a friend, and loyalty.
(d) Loyalty and the need to do what is right.

12. Which one of the following is a topic of discussion in Letter #150 to Christopher?
(a) The number of books printed.
(b) The number of books sold.
(c) Maps for the books.
(d) Advertisements for the books.

13. How does Tolkien sign Letter #165?
(a) John Ronald Reuel Tolkien.
(b) John Tolkien.
(c) J.R.R. Tolkien.
(d) John Ronald Tolkien.

14. According to Letter #257, why did Tolkien find it difficult to become close friends with Charles Williams, a mutual friend of C.S. Lewis?
(a) A polar difference in mentalities.
(b) A polar difference in literary appreciation.
(c) Williams was not a writer.
(d) Williams was not a fan of Fairy Tales.

15. Who are the familiar recipients of the letters of the 1960s that are included in "Later Years"?
(a) Edith and Rayner Unwin.
(b) Christopher and Edith Unwin.
(c) Christopher, Edith, and Rayner Unwin.
(d) Christopher and Rayner Unwin.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Tolkien expect the publisher to respond to his opinions of the cover designs?

2. How does Tolkien consider Frodo's breakdown in Letter #246?

3. How does Tolkien categorize the attempts made to change his spellings in Letter #236?

4. What causes Frodo to have a breakdown in The Lord of the Rings?

5. How does Tolkien describe Gandalf in Letter #246?

(see the answer keys)

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