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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. As Tolkien was recovering from trench fever, Christopher Wiseman wrote and told his friend that it was time to start what?

2. In 1920, Ronald applied for a job at the University of Leeds as what?

3. At this point Carpenter introduces __________, a friend of Tolkien's and popular lecturer on medieval studies.

4. Tolkien began writing what he referred to as "The Book of Lost Tales." The first story would eventually become what?

5. North Oxford had become a community of academics, their wives, and families who lived where?

Short Essay Questions

1. What became a concern for Ronald and Edith, prior to their wedding?

2. What did G.B. Smith's words, "May you say the things I have tried to say long after I am not there to say them," do for Ronald?

3. How did Edith feel when Ronald was called back to duty?

4. What did members of Exeter College think of Ronald when he came in second place?

5. How does the Tolkien family end up in Leeds?

6. How does Father Francis feel about Ronald's engagement to Edith?

7. What happens during the summer of 1914?

8. What does Ronald think of Exeter College?

9. What happens when Mabel and the boys return to England for a visit?

10. How does Ronald spend his final year at King Edward's?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Ronald and Edith eventually marry.

Part 1) How do these two reunite after being separated by their guardians? What had been the reason for this separation? Was it beneficial to both Edith and Ronald? Why or why not?

Part 2) Why do these two decide to wed? Should they have married each other? Why or why not?

Part 3) Describe their married life. Is this a happy marriage? Why or why not? Would you say it was a successful marriage? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Ronald graduates from Oxford University.

Part 1) How does he prepare for attending Oxford? Who aids him in this preparation? How is his success at Oxford foreshadowed?

Part 2) How does his time at Oxford improve and nurture his writing and love for language and learning? How does he, in turn, benefit Oxford?

Part 3) How important does his life at Oxford become at various points throughout his life?

Essay Topic 3

Ronald's parents greatly influenced him.

Part 1) Describe Ronald's parents. How is he like his parents?

Part 2) Why are his parents, especially his mother, so influential?

Part 3) How do his parents affect his life and work? How do others influence Tolkien and his work?

(see the answer keys)

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