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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. The story of THE HOBBIT was written for what purpose?
(a) For Edith.
(b) As a part of Tolkien's great mythology.
(c) For his mother.
(d) Tolkien's own amusement.

2. Why was Bournemouth a strange choice for holidays?
(a) It is a very hot and humid location.
(b) Tolkien had never been there.
(c) Edith was not fond of Bournemouth.
(d) Tolkien was not fond of Bournemouth.

3. Bilbo Baggins is the son of who?
(a) Belladonna Took.
(b) Belle Tourneau.
(c) Bella Turnhook.
(d) Donna Toop.

4. Regardless of how The Hobbit is viewed, it was intended to be what?
(a) A scary story.
(b) A funny story.
(c) A children's story.
(d) An epic.

5. How did Unwin respond when Tolkien offered him an ultimatum?
(a) He rejected it.
(b) He ignored it.
(c) He accepted it.
(d) He tolerated it.

6. The war hit in what year?
(a) 1939.
(b) 1941.
(c) 1935.
(d) 1933.

7. What did Tolkien and Stanley Unwin think of each other?
(a) The other was rude.
(b) The other was quite strange.
(c) They were very similar.
(d) The other was insane.

8. Ever since THE SILMARILLION was rejected in 1937 Tolkien was desperate to do what?
(a) Rework it.
(b) Have it published.
(c) Find it.
(d) Forget he wrote it.

9. How does Tolkien feel about his fame?
(a) It worries him.
(b) He enjoys it.
(c) It embarrasses him.
(d) It greatly puzzles him.

10. Tolkien insisted on drawing maps for what purpose?
(a) In order to express himself artistically.
(b) In order to help the reader visualize the story.
(c) In order to make the book more unique.
(d) In order to help the story move along so that every detail would fit in perfectly.

11. In 1971, Edith was taken to the hospital with what?
(a) Cancer.
(b) An infected gall bladder.
(c) A herniated disc.
(d) Headaches.

12. Why was there a considerable problem with an American company?
(a) It reprinted the saga incorrectly.
(b) It refused to pay royaltiesto Tolkien.
(c) It reprinted the saga without permission.
(d) It refused to reprint the saga.

13. How was Tolkien doing at Oxford?
(a) Not well.
(b) Well.
(c) Fairly well.
(d) Horribly.

14. What is one of the great mysteries about THE HOBBIT?
(a) No one knows who actually wrote it.
(b) No one is quite sure when the book was started.
(c) No one is quite sure if the story was ever completed.
(d) No one knows where Tolkien's ideas came from.

15. In 1972, Tolkien was awarded what?
(a) An honorary Doctorate of Letters.
(b) An honorary Doctorate of the Arts.
(c) An honorary Doctorate in Medicine.
(d) An honorary Doctorate of Music.

Short Answer Questions

1. The war made things difficult for everyone in Europe and the Tolkiens often took in lodgers and also raised hens for what reason?

2. What type of comments did Tolkien make to Stanley Unwin?

3. As the story of THE HOBBIT moved along, some of what crept in?

4. Letters and cards from fans started pouring in by the __________ and Tolkien soon found himself completely overwhelmed.

5. To whom did Tolkien send the manuscript?

(see the answer keys)

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