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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. When is Letter #159 dated?

2. How heroic does Tolkien think Frodo is in Letter #246?

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

4. Why does C.S. Lewis use the name Numenor in one of his stories?

5. According to Tolkien in Letter #246, what would have happened if Gandalf wore the ring?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Tolkien's initial reaction when he is warned about his friendship with C.S. Lewis and what happens to change his mind?

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

3. Why is Tolkien honored with a degree from the Belgians and how do they refer to him?

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

5. What suspicions are confirmed by Tolkien about a woman's used book in 1965?

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

7. What previously unmentioned career achievement does Tolkien reveal to Christopher Bretherton in Letter #253?

8. What important announcement does Tolkien make to Christopher Bretherton in Letter #253 about his connection to childhood?

9. What does Tolkien think about Frodo's breakdown at the Cracks of Doom being considered a moral failure?

10. How does Tolkien disprove the misconception that his success was made overnight in Letter #159?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Tolkien expresses his discontent with changes made to his work by editors in various letters.

1) Describe two examples of Tolkien's disagreement with proposed changes in spelling or use of words for his stories.

2) Analyze how Tolkien invented the different languages for his fictional realm and why his educational background was significant.

Essay Topic 2

Examine Tolkien's theory about human behavior and the effects of circumstances, free will, and character in making decisions. Be sure to provide examples from Tolkien's letters explaining why certain characters he has invented act the way that they do and make the choices they make.

Essay Topic 3

Analyze Tolkien's relationship with his son, Christopher, based on his letters. Provide at least three separate examples of how he communicated with his son and the effect it had on his writing.

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