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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 choice does Tolkien think each person has?

2. In his letter to D. Auden in "The Lord of the Rings Are Published," why does Tolkien think his work is published?

3. Why does Tolkien think his new position at the university will be better received in Letter #182?

4. What is Tolkien finishing while writing the letters included in "The Lord of the Rings Are Published"?

5. Which one of the following is a topic of discussion in Letter #150 to Christopher?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the mystery of creative writing that Tolkien reveals in Letter #199 to Christopher?

2. What wish does Tolkien have for "well-meaning" editors in Letter #236?

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

4. According to Tolkien's letter to W.H. Auden, what drives humans towards certain behaviors?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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 3

The One Ring of Power is a significant element in The Lord of the Rings and Tolkien's letters.

1) Describe the One Ring, its features, and the effect it has on whoever wears it.

2) Explain the only known way to destroy the Ring.

3) Analyze Tolkien's hypothetical assessment of why Gandalf would be worse while wearing the Ring than Sauron and whether you agree with him.

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