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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. In what year are the earliest letters in the book written?
(a) 1912.
(b) 1914.
(c) 1916.
(d) 1918.

2. Which of the following is the main focal point of The Silmarillion?
(a) Elves.
(b) Hobbits.
(c) Magic.
(d) Dwarves.

3. After the Hobbits originate, where does the Dark Power that Tolkien describes in Letter #131 exist?
(a) Rivendell.
(b) Gondor.
(c) Mordor.
(d) Mirkwood.

4. Who provides input , feedback, and advice for the letters in the book?
(a) J.R.R. Tolkien.
(b) Christopher Tolkien.
(c) Edith Bratt.
(d) Humphrey Carpenter.

5. As stated in "The Professor," when are The Lord of the Rings books officially published?
(a) 1951.
(b) 1954.
(c) 1952.
(d) 1953.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the only thing capable of destroying the Ring in Tolkien's story?

2. Which character does Tolkien indicate has gained the most power by wearing the Ring?

3. How does Tolkien design the book, Farmer Giles of Ham?

4. What does Tolkien explain he uses in developing his fascination with imaginary worlds?

5. How do the Hobbits respond to magic in Tolkien's stories?

Short Essay Questions

1. What observation does Tolkien make about his Middle English class to Mrs. E.M. Wright in Letter #6?

2. How can the One Ring of Power be destroyed?

3. What stipulation does Tolkien have in working with Allen & Unwin on publishing The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and what request do they have for him?

4. What is the One Ring of Power in Tolkien's stories?

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

6. In what way does Tolkien realistically depict his job as a professor in 1952?

7. What are the Stages of History that Tolkien describes in Letter #131?

8. What is the power of the pen and how does Tolkien explain it?

9. What inspires a schoolboy to write to Tolkien about The Hobbit in Letter #114 and what advice does Tolkien give in return?

10. What change does Tolkien consider and eventually make to The Hobbit in Letters #128 and #129, and why is it significant?

(see the answer keys)

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