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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. What does Tolkien think children can become for their parents?
(a) One of the strongest sources of information.
(b) One of the strongest sources of support.
(c) A chance to correct their own mistakes.
(d) A chance to relive their lives.

2. As Tolkien explains in Letter #246, what is the main difference between Gandalf and Sauron?
(a) Sauron has much more wisdom.
(b) Gandalf never succumbs to the Enemy.
(c) Sauron has much less wisdom.
(d) Gandalf succumbs to the Enemy.

3. How long is Letter #182?
(a) It is brief.
(b) It is an average length.
(c) It is divided into multiple sections.
(d) It is several pages long.

4. Which versions of The Hobbit earn Tolkien an honorary doctorate, as mentioned in Letter #165?
(a) The Italian and German versions.
(b) The Italian and French versions.
(c) The Italian, French, and German versions.
(d) The French and German versions.

5. Who are most of the recipients of "The Final Letters"?
(a) Tolkien's relatives.
(b) Tolkien's friends.
(c) Tolkien's publishers.
(d) Tolkien's students.

Short Answer Questions

1. In what year is Letter #253 written?

2. Which new names are among the recipients of the 1960s letters included in "Later Years"?

3. As mentioned in a letter to Unwin, how had Tolkien previously responded to the warning about his friendship with C.S. Lewis?

4. How does Tolkien respond to C.S. Lewis' use of the name Numenor in one of his stories?

5. What year does Tolkien write a long letter to Jane Neave that is included in "Later Years"?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Tolkien support his assessment of Gandalf's Ring-wearing in Letter #246?

2. What wish does Tolkien have for "well-meaning" editors in Letter #236?

3. Why, when, and how does Tolkien switch from writing with a pen and paper to using a typewriter?

4. When is Tolkien's final letter written and how does he attempt to assemble his work before he passes away?

5. How does Allen & Unwin respond to Tolkien's opinion of the cover images?

6. What problem of Sauron does Tolkien describe in his letter to Auden as an example of human behavior?

7. Which familiar people does Tolkien continue to write to in the "Later Years," and which recipients are new?

8. In what way does Tolkien think that his story will help both existing parents and future parents?

9. As Tolkien explains in his letter to Unwin, why is the work of C.S. Lewis opposed by some?

10. What observation is made about Tolkien's work that prompts him to evaluate Frodo's heroic status?

(see the answer keys)

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