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

2. According to the information provided in Letter #69, how often does Tolkien write to Christopher?
(a) Frequently.
(b) It is not clear.
(c) Occasionally.
(d) Rarely.

3. During the time these letters are written, what term do the British typically use to label Americans?
(a) Westerners.
(b) Colonists.
(c) Yanks.
(d) City folk.

4. When does the history of the Elves begin?
(a) Just before humanity.
(b) Long before humanity.
(c) Just after humanity.
(d) Long after humanity.

5. What chapter of the book that Tolkien is working on is he considering altering in Letter #128?
(a) Chapter 10.
(b) Chapter 3.
(c) Chapter 5.
(d) Chapter 8.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. How often does Tolkien write to Edith during the time they are separated?

3. What two factors contribute to the main part of Letter #66 to Christopher?

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

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What is unique about Tolkien's poem, "Errantry"?

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

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

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

5. What is the similarity between the Elves and the Machine, and what is the main difference between both sides, according to Tolkien in Letter #131?

6. How was the collection of J.R.R. Tolkien's letters compiled and who helped with the process?

7. 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?

8. 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?

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

10. What clarification does Tolkien make about the word, "Elves"?

(see the answer keys)

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