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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 parents?

2. What age does J.R.R. Tolkien pass away?

3. How long is Letter #182?

4. When does Tolkien write to Unwin about C.S. Lewis in "Now the Books Themselves"?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Which familiar people does Tolkien continue to write to in the "Later Years," and which recipients are new?

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

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

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

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

6. Which literary device does Tolkien not appreciate and how does he view the intended audience of fairy tales?

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

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

9. How does Tolkien address the name Numenor in Letter #227?

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

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

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

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.

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