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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. The woman took the typescript, read it and then did what with it?

2. Living in Bournemouth had what kind of an effect on Edith?

3. How old was Tolkien by the time THE LORD OF THE RINGS was completed?

4. The first book review was written by whom?

5. Rayner Unwin wanted Tolkien to send THE LORD OF THE RINGS posthaste. Why was Tolkien reluctant?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why did Ronald become frustrated with THE LORD OF THE RINGS? What did he say about this story?

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

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

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

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

7. What did Tolkien do when he became eager to cut ties with his publishers? How did they react?

8. What new deal did Unwin propose to Tolkien?

9. Why was the story of THE HOBBIT written?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

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 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?

(see the answer keys)

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