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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. Edith was expected to have what, regarding her illness?

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

3. The money was coming in and Tolkien found that he would not have to do what?

4. In many ways, Bilbo Baggins is who?

5. Christopher recovered from his ailment, returned to school and eventually did what?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. Why was the story of THE HOBBIT written?

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

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

8. Why was it recommended that Tolkien finish THE HOBBIT?

9. Of what did Lewis warn Tolkien?

10. What new deal did Unwin propose to Tolkien?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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 desired to create a new language.

Part 1) Why did he desire to do this? How was this evident from a young age?

Part 2) What language or languages does he create? How are these languages created? What purpose do these language serve?

Part 3) How does the creation of language lead to Tolkien writing stories? How is language important in Tolkien's stories?

(see the answer keys)

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