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

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

3. When is Letter #246, about Gandalf and the Ring, written?
(a) September 1964.
(b) November 1962.
(c) September 1963.
(d) November 1965.

4. Based on Tolkien's assessment in Letter #159, who is the most surprised about the results of the published books?
(a) Neither himself nor the publisher.
(b) The publisher.
(c) Himself.
(d) Either himself or the publisher.

5. How does Tolkien think his writing about the joys of fatherhood will be interpreted by people who are not yet parents?
(a) It will be very helpful.
(b) They will be surprised.
(c) It will not be very helpful.
(d) They will not be surprised.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Tolkien react to the original cover designs that he is sent for his books?

2. Based on Tolkien's assessment in Letter #246, what drives Frodo to embark on the incredible journey?

3. Which literary technique does Tolkien not appreciate?

4. Which book began as a story that Tolkien created to read to his children?

5. Which new names are among the recipients of the 1960s letters included in "Later Years"?

Short Essay Questions

1. In what way does Tolkien think that his story will help both existing parents and future parents?

2. What previously unmentioned career achievement does Tolkien reveal to Christopher Bretherton in Letter #253?

3. What observation is made about Tolkien's work that prompts him to evaluate Frodo's heroic status?

4. Which literary device does Tolkien not appreciate and how does he view the intended audience of fairy tales?

5. What is the mystery of creative writing that Tolkien reveals in Letter #199 to Christopher?

6. Who does Tolkien thank in his letter to D. Auden on 1955?

7. What wish does Tolkien have for "well-meaning" editors in Letter #236?

8. Who is Tolkien writing to when he predicts what would happen if Gandalf had worn the Ring, and what is his prediction?

9. What important announcement does Tolkien make to Christopher Bretherton in Letter #253 about his connection to childhood?

10. How does Allen & Unwin respond to Tolkien's opinion of the cover images?

(see the answer keys)

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