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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What invention does Tolkien make when writing the poem being discussed with Unwin?

2. How many improvements does Tolkien indicate he has made to the manuscript for Farmer Giles of Ham?

3. How does Tolkien feel when he looks at his work in the revision stages?

4. Where does the conversation about accents take place that Tolkien discusses in his letter to Christopher?

5. When does the history of the Elves begin?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. How old is Tolkien when the earliest letters begin and what is his situation?

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

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

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. How is Tolkien's proficiency in writing displayed in the story he tells to Christopher in his April 3, 1944, letter?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The One Ring of Power is a significant element in The Lord of the Rings and Tolkien's letters.

1) Describe the One Ring, its features, and the effect it has on whoever wears it.

2) Explain the only known way to destroy the Ring.

3) Analyze Tolkien's hypothetical assessment of why Gandalf would be worse while wearing the Ring than Sauron and whether you agree with him.

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast Tolkien's career as a professor and his career as an author while he is waiting for The Lord of the Rings to be published. Include several examples of his descriptions of his teaching responsibilities, how he approached them during this time, and the reminder he used when he became concerned with the publishing of his work. Then, analyze the way Tolkien writes about his teaching career after his books have become successful and he has been promoted to Senior Professor.

Essay Topic 3

In Letter #246, Tolkien evaluates Frodo's heroic and moral qualities in The Lord of the Rings.

1) Describe Mrs. Eileen Elgar's observation of Frodo's actions and Tolkien's response to it.

2) Explain why Tolkien considers Frodo to be a non-hero, including the supporting logic he uses as well as your thoughts on his viewpoint.

3) Analyze Frodo's breakdown and the moral implications of it as well as the conclusions Tolkien makes from the event.

(see the answer keys)

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