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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In Letter #227, how does Tolkien explain the name, Numenor?
(a) Illogical, but subjectively translated between languages.
(b) Logical and not easily translated between languages.
(c) Illogical and not easily translated between languages.
(d) Logical, but subjectively translated between languages.

2. What aspect of fiction is detailed in Letter #199?
(a) Improvisation.
(b) Inspiration.
(c) Rewriting.
(d) Publishing.

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

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

5. What does Tolkien wish for "well-meaning folk who think they know" in Letter #236?
(a) They could be listened to.
(b) They could be reasoned with.
(c) They could be restrained.
(d) They could be appreciated.

6. Why does a woman think that a used book she purchased had been previously owned by Tolkien?
(a) His signature on the last page of the book.
(b) A letter of his folded in between two pages of the book.
(c) The owner of the used book store informs her that Tolkien had owned it.
(d) Handwritten scripts in the book.

7. To whom is Letter #159 addressed?
(a) Dora Marshall.
(b) Christopher.
(c) Edith.
(d) Rayner Unwin.

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

9. When is Letter #185 written to Christopher and Faith Tolkien?
(a) June 9.
(b) March 19.
(c) July 9.
(d) April 19.

10. How long is Tolkien's Letter #256 to Colin Bailey?
(a) Two pages.
(b) One paragraph.
(c) One page.
(d) Two paragraphs.

11. In his letter to D. Auden in "The Lord of the Rings Are Published," why does Tolkien think his work is published?
(a) The stories have the ability to transcend time periods.
(b) The publisher was a childhood friend of his.
(c) The publisher was a fan of the story as a child.
(d) The stories have the ability to connect with children and adults.

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

13. Which one of the following is a topic of discussion in Letter #150 to Christopher?
(a) The number of books printed.
(b) Advertisements for the books.
(c) Maps for the books.
(d) The number of books sold.

14. When does Tolkien write to Unwin about C.S. Lewis in "Now the Books Themselves"?
(a) September 9.
(b) September 19.
(c) November 19.
(d) November 9.

15. Overall, what is the length of the longest letters included in the book?
(a) A few thousand words.
(b) A few hundred words.
(c) Over ten pages.
(d) Over twenty pages.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Tolkien respond to the woman when she writes to him to inquire whether he had owned a book she purchased?

2. What choice does Tolkien think each person has?

3. Who is Tolkien replying to in Letter #246?

4. How long does it take Tolkien to get his story about The Lord of the Rings published, according to Letter #159?

5. How does Tolkien respond to C.S. Lewis' use of the name Numenor in one of his stories?

(see the answer keys)

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