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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What happened when Oxford finally took notice of the book?
(a) Tolkien was given a pay raise.
(b) Tolkien was fired.
(c) Tolkien was required to complete several overdue projects.
(d) Tolkien was forced to write another book for the series.

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

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

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

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

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What happened to Tolkien in 1973?

3. Why was Tolkien angry with his publishers?

4. Tolkien insisted on drawing maps for what purpose?

5. Did Tolkien believe that the work was flawless?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Unwin do with all of Tolkien's completed manuscripts? Why?

2. How did Tolkien's personality and feelings begin to change at this time? What might have caused this?

3. How was Edith feeling at this point? What helped her live out the end of her life in some peace and comfort?

4. What events took place regarding Tolkien's fame?

5. What did Ronald do soon after Edith's death?

6. Is this deal a good idea for Tolkien? Why or why not?

7. Of what did Lewis warn Tolkien?

8. How did the money Tolkien made from this book affect him?

9. Describe one of the great mysteries about The Hobbit.

10. What do Stanley Unwin and Ronald Tolkien think of one another?

(see the answer keys)

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