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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. As Tolkien explains in Letter #246, what is the main difference between Gandalf and Sauron?
(a) Sauron has much more wisdom.
(b) Gandalf succumbs to the Enemy.
(c) Gandalf never succumbs to the Enemy.
(d) Sauron has much less wisdom.

2. In Tolkien as "The Old Man," which dictionary does Tolkien reveal he worked for earlier in his life?
(a) Scholastic.
(b) Merriam-Webster.
(c) Oxford.
(d) American Heritage.

3. How does Tolkien consider Frodo's breakdown in Letter #246?
(a) He thinks that it was unavoidable.
(b) He thinks that it is a moral failure.
(c) He thinks that it should have been avoided.
(d) He thinks that it is not a moral failure.

4. How does Tolkien think his writing about the joys of fatherhood will be interpreted by people who are not yet parents?
(a) It will be very helpful.
(b) They will be surprised.
(c) They will not be surprised.
(d) It will not be very helpful.

5. What does Tolkien think drives humans towards certain behaviors?
(a) They are driven by circumstances as well as other things.
(b) They are driven by their education and culture.
(c) They are driven by the people around them.
(d) They are driven exclusively by circumstances.

6. How long does it take Tolkien to get his story about The Lord of the Rings published, according to Letter #159?
(a) Several years.
(b) Two years.
(c) Three years.
(d) One year.

7. Who are the familiar recipients of the letters of the 1960s that are included in "Later Years"?
(a) Christopher and Rayner Unwin.
(b) Edith and Rayner Unwin.
(c) Christopher, Edith, and Rayner Unwin.
(d) Christopher and Edith Unwin.

8. What age does J.R.R. Tolkien pass away?
(a) Eighty.
(b) Eighty-two.
(c) Eighty-one.
(d) Seventy-nine.

9. How does Tolkien respond to the woman when she writes to him to inquire whether he had owned a book she purchased?
(a) He confirms that he had owned the book.
(b) He is unsure if he owned the book or not.
(c) He denies owning the book.
(d) He does not respond.

10. Who is Tolkien replying to in Letter #246?
(a) Rayner Unwin.
(b) Edith.
(c) Christopher.
(d) Mrs. Eileen Elgar.

11. When does Tolkien begin using a typewriter for his letters?
(a) April 1965.
(b) July 1964.
(c) April 1966.
(d) July 1963.

12. How does Tolkien describe his work for a dictionary?
(a) Humbling, but not prestigious.
(b) Neither humbling nor prestigious.
(c) Prestigious, but not humbling.
(d) Humbling and prestigious.

13. Why does C.S. Lewis use the name Numenor in one of his stories?
(a) As an attempt to write a sequel to The Lord of the Rings.
(b) As a reference to Tolkien.
(c) As an attempt to rewrite The Lord of the Rings.
(d) As a way to generate interest in the story.

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

15. How many Elves does Tolkien think might be able to manage the Ring of Power in Letter #246?
(a) None.
(b) One.
(c) Two.
(d) Three.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Tolkien announce to Christopher Bretherton in Letter #257?

2. How long before Tolkien's death is the last letter of the book written?

3. What is the main subject of Letters #146, 147, and 148?

4. In a letter to W.H. Auden, where does Tolkien reveal his work as a professor originates from?

5. Which two characters have a dynamic that Tolkien thinks has a great effect on the events in The Lord of Rings?

(see the answer keys)

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