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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. There were many requests for Tolkien to be a professor __________.

2. The review praised the work which was what?

3. How did this critic respond to Tolkien's work?

4. As the time drew near for the book to be published of what was Tolkien afraid?

5. What was taking a toll on Edith?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. How did Tolkien feel when C.S. Lewis died? Why did he feel this way?

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

6. Describe Edith regaining of good spirits.

7. Describe the first book review for THE LORD OF THE RINGS.

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Tolkien and his work become overnight sensations.

Part 1) How does this occur? What events have led to this success? Was this type of success predicted earlier in his life? Explain.

Part 2) Describe the type of behavior displayed by those interested in Tolkien and his work. What does this reveal about these Tolkien fans? How does Tolkien feel about this kind of attention? How does it affect him?

Part 3) How might Tolkien's fame and life after he and his work became part of pop culture reflect the lives of celebrities today? How might this explain the struggles faced by celebrities today? How would you feel if you had been Tolkien? How might this fame have affected you?

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

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?

(see the answer keys)

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