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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 14, JRR Tolkien as The Old Man.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How do the Hobbits respond to magic in Tolkien's stories?
(a) They try to ignore it.
(b) They are angered by it.
(c) They are confused by it.
(d) They are amused by it.

2. What is the term "galleys" used to refer to in "The Professor"?
(a) Reviews for a book.
(b) Chapter summaries for a book.
(c) Advance posters advertising a book.
(d) Advance copies of a printed book.

3. What happens when Tolkien first decides to approach the publishers about the delay of the books?
(a) The publishers do not respond.
(b) The publishers take even more time.
(c) The publishers provide a list of excuses.
(d) The publishers decline to publish them.

4. Which versions of The Hobbit earn Tolkien an honorary doctorate, as mentioned in Letter #165?
(a) The Italian, French, and German versions.
(b) The Italian and French versions.
(c) The Italian and German versions.
(d) The French and German versions.

5. In describing the power of the pen, what aspect of fiction writing does Tolkien refer to when explaining his own writing process and the way he invents characters?
(a) The predictability of it.
(b) The extensive research done before writing.
(c) The unpredictability of it.
(d) The extensive reading of other fiction done before writing.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Tolkien think children can become for their parents?

2. Whom does Tolkien originally ask to draw maps for the imaginary world of The Lord of the Rings?

3. What assertion does Tolkien make about Farmer Giles of Ham?

4. How many Elves does Tolkien think might be able to manage the Ring of Power in Letter #246?

5. How do the Belgians describe Tolkien in Letter #165?

(see the answer key)

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