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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 think his writing about the joys of fatherhood will be interpreted by people who are not yet parents?

2. Which versions of The Hobbit earn Tolkien an honorary doctorate, as mentioned in Letter #165?

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

4. What aspect of fiction is detailed in Letter #199?

5. As Tolkien explains in Letter #246, what is the main difference between Gandalf and Sauron?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. When is Tolkien's final letter written and how does he attempt to assemble his work before he passes away?

3. What information does Tolkien provide in his remembrance of C.S. Lewis in Letters #257 and #261?

4. Why, when, and how does Tolkien switch from writing with a pen and paper to using a typewriter?

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

6. What is Tolkien's initial reaction when he is warned about his friendship with C.S. Lewis and what happens to change his mind?

7. How does Tolkien support his assessment of Gandalf's Ring-wearing in Letter #246?

8. What does Tolkien think about Frodo's breakdown at the Cracks of Doom being considered a moral failure?

9. What issues is Tolkien having with the cover images for The Lord of the Rings books and how does he handle the situation?

10. Who is Tolkien writing to when he predicts what would happen if Gandalf had worn the Ring, and what is his prediction?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

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

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.

(see the answer keys)

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