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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. Which versions of The Hobbit earn Tolkien an honorary doctorate, as mentioned in Letter #165?
2. Why does a woman think that a used book she purchased had been previously owned by Tolkien?
3. How does Tolkien think his writing about the joys of fatherhood will be interpreted by people who are parents?
4. In Letter #227, how does Tolkien explain the name, Numenor?
5. Based on Tolkien's letter to W.H. Auden, who is responsible for shaping an individual's behavior?
Short Essay Questions
1. According to Tolkien's letter to W.H. Auden, what drives humans towards certain behaviors?
2. How does Allen & Unwin respond to Tolkien's opinion of the cover images?
3. What observation is made about Tolkien's work that prompts him to evaluate Frodo's heroic status?
4. What information does Tolkien provide in his remembrance of C.S. Lewis in Letters #257 and #261?
5. What is the general range in lengths of the letters featured in The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien?
6. Who is Tolkien writing to when he predicts what would happen if Gandalf had worn the Ring, and what is his prediction?
7. Which familiar people does Tolkien continue to write to in the "Later Years," and which recipients are new?
8. What wish does Tolkien have for "well-meaning" editors in Letter #236?
9. What important announcement does Tolkien make to Christopher Bretherton in Letter #253 about his connection to childhood?
10. What problem of Sauron does Tolkien describe in his letter to Auden as an example of human behavior?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
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.
Essay Topic 2
Discuss Tolkien's creative writing process using the information he provides in his letters throughout the book. Be sure to include his explanation of the power of the pen as well as an analysis of the role of improvisation in fiction.
Essay Topic 3
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.
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This section contains 898 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) |
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