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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. Who looked after Tolkien after his return to Oxford?

2. Which child did Tolkien write letters to in particular?

3. Did Tolkien believe that the work was flawless?

4. Oddly enough, who did Edith befriend?

5. Why did the maps have to be redrawn?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. Describe Edith regaining of good spirits.

8. What ended Tolkien's focus on the new book and his Oxford professorship?

9. Of what did Lewis warn Tolkien?

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 was desperate to have THE SILMARRILION published.

Part 1) What is THE SILMARRILION? Why was he so desperate to have it published? Why does this desperation reinforce in Tolkien's character? What does it also reveal?

Part 2) What did others think about this work? Why did they feel this way?

Part 3) What in your own life is important? Why is it important? What does this reveal about you?

Essay Topic 2

After Edith's death, Tolkien moves back to Oxford.

Part 1) Describe the Tolkien's lives prior to Edith's death. How had it changed from earlier in their marriage? How did this change occur?

Part 2) Why does Tolkien decide to move back to Oxford after Edith's death? How has her death affected him? How does this effect compare to the effects made by his close friends who had passed away?

Part 2) Describe Tolkien's life after Edith's death. How does this part of his life compare to the rest of his life?

Part 3) How would you like to spend the last days of your life? Where would you like to spend this time? Why?

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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