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

2. How much time has passed between Tolkien's initial idea for drawing maps and when it becomes an issue with a publisher?

3. What is the skill or ability of the Elves'?

4. As stated in "The Professor," when are The Lord of the Rings books officially published?

5. Which one of the following does Tolkien vigorously discuss in his letters?

Short Essay Questions

1. In Letters #66 and #69, how is Tolkien's relationship with Christopher defined?

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

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

4. How does Rayner Unwin first contact Tolkien, leading to his involvement with publishing The Lord of the Rings?

5. How does Tolkien write about being given the position of chairing the English department at the university?

6. What is unique about Tolkien's poem, "Errantry"?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

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 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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