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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) Tolkien's own amusement.
(c) As a part of Tolkien's great mythology.
(d) For his mother.

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

3. 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.

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

5. People began to call when?
(a) In the morning.
(b) When he was in meetings.
(c) At all hours of the day and night.
(d) At night.

6. There were many requests for Tolkien to be a professor __________.
(a) of Honor.
(b) Letters.
(c) of English.
(d) Emeritus.

7. In many ways, Bilbo Baggins is who?
(a) J.R.R. Tolkien.
(b) C.S. Lewis.
(c) P.T. Barnum.
(d) T.S. Eliot.

8. Which child did Tolkien write letters to in particular?
(a) Priscilla.
(b) Christopher.
(c) Francis.
(d) John.

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

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

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

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

13. Why did some of the maps have to be reconstructed?
(a) They were drawn too lightly.
(b) They did not fit in the book.
(c) The readers could not understand them.
(d) Due to the expense of production.

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

15. Rayner Unwin wanted Tolkien to send THE LORD OF THE RINGS posthaste. Why was Tolkien reluctant?
(a) He could not find an extra copy of the book.
(b) He did not have a written copy of the book.
(c) There was only one copy in existence.
(d) He did not trust Rayne.

Short Answer Questions

1. In addition to returning to his great English mythology, Tolkien was also the recipient of what?

2. Regardless of how The Hobbit is viewed, it was intended to be what?

3. The money was coming in and Tolkien found that he would not have to do what?

4. Why did the maps have to be redrawn?

5. When C.S. Lewis died in 1963, how did Tolkien feel?

(see the answer keys)

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