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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. As displayed in Letter #257, what is the connection between Tolkien's childhood and his later years?
(a) His fascination with Elves.
(b) His enjoyment of stories.
(c) His education.
(d) His writing.

3. According to the information in Letter #182, what position does Tolkien now have?
(a) Associate Professor.
(b) Senior Professor.
(c) Department Coordinator.
(d) Department Chair.

4. 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) Sauron has much less wisdom.
(d) Gandalf never succumbs to the Enemy.

5. As mentioned in a letter to Unwin, how had Tolkien previously responded to the warning about his friendship with C.S. Lewis?
(a) He did not take the warning seriously.
(b) He stopped talking with C.S. Lewis.
(c) He began talking with C.S. Lewis' other friends.
(d) He misinterpreted the warning.

6. Why does Tolkien think his new position at the university will be better received in Letter #182?
(a) Because of the amount of time he has worked at the university.
(b) Because of his fame as an author.
(c) Because of the anticipation of the new book he is writing.
(d) Because of the reputation of the person that preceded him.

7. What does the publisher do after reading Tolkien's opinions of the cover designs?
(a) They leave the covers as is despite his opinions.
(b) They threaten to stop publishing the books.
(c) They change the covers based on his opinions.
(d) They request more detailed notes from him.

8. What is the first topic discussed in Tolkien's letter to Unwin about C.S. Lewis in "Now the Books Themselves"?
(a) C.S. Lewis' books.
(b) C.S. Lewis' opinions.
(c) The books' reviews.
(d) The books' sales.

9. What is Tolkien's age when he writes Letter #253?
(a) He is in his nineties.
(b) He is in his seventies.
(c) He is in his sixties.
(d) He is in his eighties.

10. What year does Tolkien write to his publisher with his thoughts on the original cover designs?
(a) 1952.
(b) 1951.
(c) 1954.
(d) 1953.

11. Which two characters have a dynamic that Tolkien thinks has a great effect on the events in The Lord of Rings?
(a) Gandalf and Sauron.
(b) Frodo and Gollum.
(c) Gandalf and Gollum.
(d) Frodo and Gandalf.

12. According to Tolkien in Letter #257, what prevents people from having children?
(a) Neither fear nor reluctance.
(b) Reluctance, but not fear.
(c) Fear, but not reluctance.
(d) Fear and reluctance.

13. How does Tolkien react to the original cover designs that he is sent for his books?
(a) He does not understand them.
(b) He is unhappy with them.
(c) He is very happy with them.
(d) He likes them overall, but has a few suggestions.

14. To whom does Tolkien write about the impact of C.S. Lewis' passing?
(a) Rayner Unwin.
(b) Edith.
(c) Humphrey Carpenter.
(d) Christopher.

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

Short Answer Questions

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

2. When is Letter #185 written to Christopher and Faith Tolkien?

3. When is Letter #159 dated?

4. In his letter to D. Auden in "The Lord of the Rings Are Published," why does Tolkien think his work is published?

5. As mentioned in Letter #246, where is Frodo unable to give up the Ring?

(see the answer keys)

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