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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Rayner said that because Tolkien was not willing to do any editing or split the books into several volumes, Unwin should do what?
(a) Take THE SILMARILLION and reject THE LORD OF THE RINGS.
(b) Take THE LORD OF THE RINGS and reject THE SILMARILLION.
(c) Publish both books.
(d) Not publish any of his works.

2. It was frustrating for the publishers to see Tolkien focused on every minute detail rather than what?
(a) Working on character development.
(b) Focusing on individual characters.
(c) Working on the book as a whole.
(d) Focusing on the plot.

3. Letters and cards from fans started pouring in by the __________ and Tolkien soon found himself completely overwhelmed.
(a) Millions.
(b) Hundreds.
(c) Dozens.
(d) Thousands.

4. What did the Tolkiens hope would give them some relief from the almost constant and intolerable flow of visitors, mail, and gifts that were always present in Headington?
(a) The lack of neighbors.
(b) Their new, unpublicized, address.
(c) The sea air.
(d) The quiet town life.

5. Did Tolkien believe that the work was flawless?
(a) Yes.
(b) Somewhat.
(c) No.
(d) Mostly.

6. After Edith died, to where did Tolkien move?
(a) Monroe Street.
(b) Merton Street.
(c) Milton Street.
(d) Merlon Street.

7. What happened when Tolkien's fans rose up against this company?
(a) The company filed bankruptcy.
(b) The company gave all the unsold books to Tolkien.
(c) The company paid Unwin.
(d) The infringement ended up being a blessing in disguise.

8. What happened to Tolkien in 1973?
(a) He had a heart attack.
(b) He contracted cancer.
(c) He caught a chest infection.
(d) He caught a fever.

9. When C.S. Lewis died in 1963, how did Tolkien feel?
(a) Angry.
(b) Somewhat upset.
(c) Devastated.
(d) Worried.

10. What did Tolkien think of the awards and accolades he received?
(a) Surprised.
(b) Ashamed.
(c) Embarrassed.
(d) Pleased.

11. Who looked after Tolkien after his return to Oxford?
(a) His in-laws.
(b) A scout and his wife.
(c) A friend.
(d) His children.

12. Tolkien said Unwin looked a lot like who?
(a) One of his dwarves.
(b) One of his children.
(c) One of his coworkers.
(d) One of his students.

13. Why did Tolkien leave Bournemouth?
(a) He no longer liked it.
(b) He was bored.
(c) He had no friends.
(d) He did not want to be there without Edith.

14. From what did Tolkien's depression prevent him?
(a) Going out with friends.
(b) Working.
(c) Sleeping.
(d) Talking to Edith.

15. Several years of delays and mishaps occurred until in ________ when Tolkien gave up on Collins and went back to Allen and Unwin.
(a) 1942.
(b) 1962.
(c) 1952.
(d) 1972.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why did the maps have to be redrawn?

2. Tolkien was unhappy about splitting the work into three volumes and insisted on what?

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

4. The woman took the typescript, read it and then did what with it?

5. What other plan of Tolkien's also had to be put aside?

(see the answer keys)

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