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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Eventually, Tolkien told his publisher that he was "forgetting about children." Why?
(a) The new story was becoming frightening and was perhaps unsuitable for young minds.
(b) Children no longer liked his work.
(c) He was tired of writing for children.
(d) He was annoyed by his own children.

2. In 1952, Rayner Unwin proposed a new deal to Tolkien for THE LORD OF THE RINGS. What was this deal?
(a) Tolkien would be contracted in a profit-sharing agreement.
(b) Tolkien would receive a traditional contract with royalty payments.
(c) Tolkien could choose how much of a profit he wanted to make.
(d) Tolkien would receive all of the profits from the book.

3. Bilbo Baggins is the son of who?
(a) Donna Toop.
(b) Belle Tourneau.
(c) Bella Turnhook.
(d) Belladonna Took.

4. Carpenter refers to Bournemouth as being the anemic English equivalent to what?
(a) Miami Beach.
(b) Paris.
(c) New York City.
(d) The French Riviera.

5. This company eventually apologized to Tolkien and offered to do what?
(a) Collect all the books they had sold.
(b) Pay him royalties on volumes sold.
(c) Give him their extra copies.
(d) Pay a fine.

Short Answer Questions

1. In addition to returning to his great English mythology, Tolkien was also the recipient of what?

2. What is one of the great mysteries about THE HOBBIT?

3. In many ways, Bilbo Baggins is who?

4. The war made things difficult for everyone in Europe and the Tolkiens often took in lodgers and also raised hens for what reason?

5. What happened when Oxford finally took notice of the book?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why did Ronald become frustrated with THE LORD OF THE RINGS? What did he say about this story?

2. What happened when the money began pouring in?

3. How did Tolkien feel about splitting the book into three volumes? Upon what did he insist?

4. Is this deal a good idea for Tolkien? Why or why not?

5. Describe Edith regaining of good spirits.

6. How is Ronald like Bilbo Baggins?

7. What new deal did Unwin propose to Tolkien?

8. Why was the publication of THE HOBBIT quite a learning experience?

9. Describe the first book review for THE LORD OF THE RINGS.

10. How did Tolkien's personality and feelings begin to change at this time? What might have caused this?

(see the answer keys)

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