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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. The reviews from other critics were mixed. Were they better than Tolkien had expected?
(a) No.
(b) Yes.
(c) Not at first.
(d) Somewhat.

2. Why was Tolkien angry with his publishers?
(a) They do not seem to care about his work.
(b) For the lack of publicity for one of the recent books.
(c) He never received his money on time.
(d) They are lazy and unorganized.

3. Tolkien was unhappy about splitting the work into three volumes and insisted on what?
(a) Naming each book something different.
(b) Binding and selling the three volumes together.
(c) Keeping the book as one.
(d) Maintaining the title THE LORD OF THE RINGS for the entire series.

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

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

6. As the time drew near for the book to be published of what was Tolkien afraid?
(a) His book.
(b) His friends.
(c) The critics' reaction.
(d) His publisher.

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

8. Who often retired to Bournemouth?
(a) Many elderly Danish couples.
(b) Many elderly American couples.
(c) Many elderly British couples.
(d) Many elderly French couples.

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

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

11. Michael attended Trinity College, and went on to become what?
(a) A lawyer.
(b) A member of Parliament.
(c) An anti-aircraft gunner.
(d) A professor.

12. Carpenter refers to Bournemouth as being the anemic English equivalent to what?
(a) New York City.
(b) Paris.
(c) The French Riviera.
(d) Miami Beach.

13. What type of comments did Tolkien make to Stanley Unwin?
(a) Those that he felt would embarrass Unwin.
(b) Those that he felt would encourage Unwin to publish both books.
(c) Those that he felt would deter Unwin from publishing the book.
(d) Those that he felt would anger Unwin.

14. How did this critic respond to Tolkien's work?
(a) With both criticism and accolades.
(b) There was no response.
(c) With many accolades.
(d) With much criticism.

15. Allen and Unwin began to negotiate deals for what?
(a) Comics of THE LORD OF THE RINGS.
(b) Movies based on THE LORD OF THE RINGS.
(c) Foreign translations of THE LORD OF THE RINGS.
(d) Toys based on THE LORD OF THE RINGS.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who looked after Tolkien after his return to Oxford?

2. People began to call when?

3. What happened when Tolkien's fans rose up against this company?

4. What grave mistake did Stanley Unwin make?

5. Eventually, Tolkien told his publisher that he was "forgetting about children." Why?

(see the answer keys)

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