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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. All of Tolkien's attention was split between the new book along and the Oxford professorship until what happened?

2. Allen and Unwin began to negotiate deals for what?

3. The war made things difficult for everyone in Europe and the Tolkiens often took in lodgers and also raised hens for what reason?

4. Tolkien sold the original manuscripts of his published works to what university?

5. The reviews from other critics were mixed. Were they better than Tolkien had expected?

Short Essay Questions

1. What did Tolkien think about writing a sequel to THE HOBBIT? Why? What was his plan for the sequel?

2. Why did Tolkien's relationship with Lewis deteriorate even further?

3. Of what did Lewis warn Tolkien?

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

5. Why was the story of THE HOBBIT written?

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

7. What happened when Oxford took notice of the book?

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

9. How did Tolkien feel about splitting the book into three volumes? Upon what did he insist?

10. Why was the publication of THE HOBBIT quite a learning experience?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Tolkien has a few close friends.

Part 1) Who does he consider to be his close friends? What does he have in common with these individuals?

Part 2) How do these friends influence his life and work? When these friends are lost, for example, due to death, how is Tolkien affected? What does this reveal about him?

Part 3) Who are your close friends? How do they influence you? How do you support one another in various aspects of your life? How might your life change if those friends were no longer in your life?

Essay Topic 2

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 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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