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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. What does the publisher do after reading Tolkien's opinions of the cover designs?
(a) They leave the covers as is despite his opinions.
(b) They request more detailed notes from him.
(c) They change the covers based on his opinions.
(d) They threaten to stop publishing the books.

2. What does Tolkien think children can become for their parents?
(a) One of the strongest sources of support.
(b) One of the strongest sources of information.
(c) A chance to correct their own mistakes.
(d) A chance to relive their lives.

3. Which novel was being made into a paperback, prompting the debate over spelling in Letter #236?
(a) The Lord of the Rings.
(b) The Silmarillion.
(c) Farmer Giles of Ham.
(d) The Hobbit.

4. In a letter to W.H. Auden, where does Tolkien reveal his work as a professor originates from?
(a) His actual interests.
(b) The recommendation of a friend.
(c) An accidental job interview.
(d) His value of the English language.

5. How do the Belgians describe Tolkien in Letter #165?
(a) The author of The Silmarillion.
(b) The author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
(c) The creator of Mr. Bilbo Baggins.
(d) The creator of Gandolf.

Short Answer Questions

1. What feeling does Tolkien have about knowing the entire story of The Lord of the Rings?

2. How does Tolkien expect the publisher to respond to his opinions of the cover designs?

3. Which literary technique does Tolkien not appreciate?

4. How does Tolkien consider Frodo's breakdown in Letter #246?

5. According to Tolkien in Letter #246, what would have happened if Gandalf wore the ring?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What problem of Sauron does Tolkien describe in his letter to Auden as an example of human behavior?

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

6. According to Tolkien's letter to W.H. Auden, what drives humans towards certain behaviors?

7. What issues is Tolkien having with the cover images for The Lord of the Rings books and how does he handle the situation?

8. Which familiar people does Tolkien continue to write to in the "Later Years," and which recipients are new?

9. Why, when, and how does Tolkien switch from writing with a pen and paper to using a typewriter?

10. What changes have occurred in Tolkien's career as a professor by Letter #182 in 1956?

(see the answer keys)

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