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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to the information provided in Letter #69, how often does Tolkien write to Christopher?

2. What assertion does Tolkien make about Farmer Giles of Ham?

3. What two factors contribute to the main part of Letter #66 to Christopher?

4. How does Tolkien describe the alteration he is contemplating making to his manuscript in Letter #128?

5. What is the result of a friendship between the Elves and the Dwarves, as Tolkien explains in Letter #131?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. How does Tolkien design Farmer Giles of Ham and what does he think about it being considered a children's story?

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

6. What are the Stages of History that Tolkien describes in Letter #131?

7. How are the letters for "To Unwin about The Hobbit" chosen and what information is left out of them?

8. What change does Tolkien consider and eventually make to The Hobbit in Letters #128 and #129, and why is it significant?

9. What stipulation does Tolkien have in working with Allen & Unwin on publishing The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and what request do they have for him?

10. What request does Allen & Unwin have about Farmer Giles of Ham and how does Tolkien respond?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the difficult situation that Tolkien encounters while having The Lord of the Rings published by Collins, and the events that lead him to work with Unwin & Allen on the trilogy. Also, provide an analysis of the poem, "Errantry," and its significance in the publishing of The Lord of the Rings.

Essay Topic 2

The One Ring of Power is a significant element in The Lord of the Rings and Tolkien's letters.

1) Describe the One Ring, its features, and the effect it has on whoever wears it.

2) Explain the only known way to destroy the Ring.

3) Analyze Tolkien's hypothetical assessment of why Gandalf would be worse while wearing the Ring than Sauron and whether you agree with him.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast Tolkien's career as a professor and his career as an author while he is waiting for The Lord of the Rings to be published. Include several examples of his descriptions of his teaching responsibilities, how he approached them during this time, and the reminder he used when he became concerned with the publishing of his work. Then, analyze the way Tolkien writes about his teaching career after his books have become successful and he has been promoted to Senior Professor.

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