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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 13, Letters of the 1960s.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What book inspired a schoolboy to write to Tolkien, prompting his response in Letter #114?
(a) Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics.
(b) The Silmarillion.
(c) The Lord of the Rings.
(d) The Hobbit.

2. Based on Tolkien's assessment in Letter #246, what drives Frodo to embark on the incredible journey?
(a) Loyalty and the need to do what is right.
(b) The need to do what is right and the love of a friend.
(c) The need to do what is right, the love of a friend, and loyalty.
(d) The love of a friend and loyalty.

3. What do the letters selected for "To Unwin about The Hobbit" have in common?
(a) They refer to Tolkien's least known works.
(b) They are all over five pages.
(c) They refer to Tolkien's most well known works.
(d) They are all less than one-page long.

4. How does Tolkien describe Gandalf in Letter #246?
(a) Powerful.
(b) Powerless.
(c) Misguided.
(d) Misunderstood.

5. What year does Tolkien write a long letter to Jane Neave that is included in "Later Years"?
(a) 1962.
(b) 1961.
(c) 1960.
(d) 1963.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which versions of The Hobbit earn Tolkien an honorary doctorate, as mentioned in Letter #165?

2. Who does Tolkien say are the only people interested in reading his literary works in Letter #115?

3. How does Tolkien describe the alteration he is contemplating making to his manuscript in Letter #128?

4. As mentioned in Letter #69, which specific part of his manuscript does Tolkien plan on revising?

5. How does Tolkien react to the original cover designs that he is sent for his books?

(see the answer key)

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