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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. According to Tolkien in Letter #131, what is the source of magic in his stories?
(a) Only the Elves.
(b) The Machine and the Elves.
(c) Neither the Machine nor the Elves.
(d) Only the Machine.

2. What invention does Tolkien make when writing the poem being discussed with Unwin?
(a) A new meter.
(b) A new genre.
(c) A new word.
(d) A new world.

3. Who does Tolkien say are the only people interested in reading his literary works in Letter #115?
(a) Only C.S. Lewis.
(b) C.S. Lewis and his wife.
(c) C.S. Lewis and his son.
(d) Only his wife and son.

4. How many times do the Elves and the Dwarves share an enduring friendship throughout their history?
(a) Four times.
(b) Twice.
(c) Once.
(d) Three times.

5. Why does Tolkien's new publisher need a summary of the books?
(a) To use for publicity.
(b) To include on the back cover.
(c) To use for copyrighting the work.
(d) To include on the inside cover.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the result of a friendship between the Elves and the Dwarves, as Tolkien explains in Letter #131?

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

3. Who provides input , feedback, and advice for the letters in the book?

4. How does Tolkien respond to the idea of chairing the English department?

5. What is the skill or ability of the Elves'?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Tolkien explain the role of humans and mankind in his stories in Letter #131?

2. What request does Allen & Unwin have about Farmer Giles of Ham and how does Tolkien respond?

3. Who is Tolkien traveling with in the story he recounts for Christopher in a letter from April 3, 1944, and what is the point of the story?

4. What happens between Collins and Tolkien during the publishing of The Lord of the Rings?

5. How are the letters for "To Unwin about The Hobbit" chosen and what information is left out of them?

6. How does Tolkien write about being given the position of chairing the English department at the university?

7. How does Tolkien refer to The Hobbit in his early letters to Christopher?

8. How does Tolkien characterize Sauron in Letter #131?

9. What happens between Tolkien and Edith leading up to their engagement?

10. How does Rayner Unwin first contact Tolkien, leading to his involvement with publishing The Lord of the Rings?

(see the answer keys)

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