View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

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

2. How does Tolkien describe the writing of The Hobbit to Christopher?

3. With whom does Tolkien work in order to avoid the responsibilities of chairing the English department?

4. What happens when Tolkien first decides to approach the publishers about the delay of the books?

5. According to Tolkien in Letter #131, what is the source of magic in his stories?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. How does Tolkien design Farmer Giles of Ham and what does he think about it being considered a children's story?

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

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

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

9. How does Tolkien refer to The Hobbit in his early letters to Christopher?

10. 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?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe in detail the story that Tolkien tells Christopher about a train ride he has with two other men in a letter from April 3, 1944. Also, include the literary techniques used by Tolkien in the letter and why they display his skill as a writer.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the stages of publishing for The Lord of the Rings, including the following:

1) The initial cover images, Tolkien's reaction to them, and how the publishers respond to him.

2) The galleys and what Tolkien realizes while revising his books.

3) The idea of including maps for Tolkien's imaginary world and how he involves Christopher in the process.

4) The varying tones that Tolkien uses in his letters while describing the events that are leading up to the release of his work.

Essay Topic 3

Explain the difficult situation that Tolkien encounters while having The Lord of the Rings published by Collins, and the events that lead him to work with Unwin & Allen on the trilogy. Also, provide an analysis of the poem, "Errantry," and its significance in the publishing of The Lord of the Rings.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 905 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample