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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 is the first topic discussed in Tolkien's letter to Unwin about C.S. Lewis in "Now the Books Themselves"?

2. Besides his publisher, who else does Tolkien give credit to for his literary success in his letter to D. Auden?

3. Based on Tolkien's assessment in Letter #246, what drives Frodo to embark on the incredible journey?

4. According to the information in Letter #182, what position does Tolkien now have?

5. When is Letter #185 written to Christopher and Faith Tolkien?

Short Essay Questions

1. What important announcement does Tolkien make to Christopher Bretherton in Letter #253 about his connection to childhood?

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

3. Why is Tolkien honored with a degree from the Belgians and how do they refer to him?

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

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

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

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

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

9. As Tolkien explains in his letter to Unwin, why is the work of C.S. Lewis opposed by some?

10. What previously unmentioned career achievement does Tolkien reveal to Christopher Bretherton in Letter #253?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze Tolkien's friendship with C.S. Lewis using his own accounts in the letters he writes about Lewis. Also, explain the controversy surrounding Lewis' work, the way Tolkien deals with his death, and the facts that Tolkien includes in remembering Lewis.

Essay Topic 2

Describe in detail the Stages of History according to Tolkien's explanation of them in his letters. Include the order of his fictional species, the major differences between them, how mankind fits into the development of his world, and Tolkien's reasons for creating each stage a particular way.

Essay Topic 3

Describe Tolkien's views on parenting in Letter #246. Include the reasons why he thinks people either fear or are reluctant to become parents and the many benefits of having children that he writes about.

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