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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. How does Tolkien feel when he looks at his work in the revision stages?
2. How much time has passed between Tolkien's initial idea for drawing maps and when it becomes an issue with a publisher?
3. How does Tolkien design the book, Farmer Giles of Ham?
4. Whom does Tolkien originally ask to draw maps for the imaginary world of The Lord of the Rings?
5. In what year are the earliest letters in the book written?
Short Essay Questions
1. How does Tolkien explain the role of humans and mankind in his stories in Letter #131?
2. How was the collection of J.R.R. Tolkien's letters compiled and who helped with the process?
3. How does Rayner Unwin first contact Tolkien, leading to his involvement with publishing The Lord of the Rings?
4. How does Tolkien write about being given the position of chairing the English department at the university?
5. How does Tolkien describe the development of his penchant for stories in Letter #130?
6. 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?
7. How is Tolkien's proficiency in writing displayed in the story he tells to Christopher in his April 3, 1944, letter?
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 psychological dilemma does Tolkien discuss about the Elves in Letter #131?
10. What inspires a schoolboy to write to Tolkien about The Hobbit in Letter #114 and what advice does Tolkien give in return?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
Tolkien expresses his discontent with changes made to his work by editors in various letters.
1) Describe two examples of Tolkien's disagreement with proposed changes in spelling or use of words for his stories.
2) Analyze how Tolkien invented the different languages for his fictional realm and why his educational background was significant.
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
Examine Tolkien's theory about human behavior and the effects of circumstances, free will, and character in making decisions. Be sure to provide examples from Tolkien's letters explaining why certain characters he has invented act the way that they do and make the choices they make.
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This section contains 858 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) |
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