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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. After the Hobbits originate, where does the Dark Power that Tolkien describes in Letter #131 exist?
(a) Mirkwood.
(b) Mordor.
(c) Gondor.
(d) Rivendell.

2. Who is the initial publisher for Tolkien's books when "Publisher Drama" begins?
(a) Humphrey.
(b) Unwin.
(c) Allen.
(d) Collins.

3. Which one of the following does Tolkien vigorously discuss in his letters?
(a) Reading academic books.
(b) Reporting to class on time.
(c) Grading papers.
(d) Talking with students.

4. What is Allen & Unwin?
(a) A printing service.
(b) A publishing house.
(c) A law firm.
(d) A bank.

5. By what year does Tolkien insist that his books be published with his new publisher?
(a) 1951.
(b) 1952.
(c) 1950.
(d) 1953.

Short Answer Questions

1. In what year does Tolkien become disturbed by the length of time to publish The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Silmarillion?

2. In what year are the earliest letters in the book written?

3. Who leads The Enemy in Tolkien's stories?

4. Who does Tolkien say are the only people interested in reading his literary works in Letter #115?

5. In Letter, #6, to what college subject does Tolkien refer?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Tolkien describe the development of his penchant for stories in Letter #130?

2. How does Tolkien refer to The Hobbit in his early letters to Christopher?

3. How does Rayner Unwin first contact Tolkien, leading to his involvement with publishing The Lord of the Rings?

4. What is unique about Tolkien's poem, "Errantry"?

5. What observation does Tolkien make about his Middle English class to Mrs. E.M. Wright in Letter #6?

6. How does Tolkien characterize Sauron in Letter #131?

7. What are galleys in literature and how does Tolkien respond to the editing process of The Lord of the Rings?

8. How does Tolkien write about being given the position of chairing the English department at the university?

9. What clarification does Tolkien make about the word, "Elves"?

10. What happened when the Elves and the Dwarves became friends in the past of Tolkien's fictional realm?

(see the answer keys)

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