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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What will the alteration mean for the book Tolkien is writing in Letter #128?
(a) It will be designed not to have a sequel.
(b) It will be designed to have a sequel.
(c) It will be meant to be read by children.
(d) It will be meant not to be read by children.

2. As mentioned by Tolkien in Letter #131, when do the Hobbits first come into being?
(a) The First Age.
(b) The Third Age.
(c) The Fourth Age.
(d) The Second Age.

3. What does Tolkien offer to the schoolboy in Letter #114?
(a) Monogrammed stationery.
(b) The first draft of a never released manuscript.
(c) An encyclopedia set.
(d) Early copies of documents.

4. What German word meaning "essential" does Tolkien refer to in Letter #6, stating that it is actually viewed as an English word?
(a) Entscheidend.
(b) Wesenhaft.
(c) Unentbehrlich.
(d) Grundlegend.

5. In describing the power of the pen, what aspect of fiction writing does Tolkien refer to when explaining his own writing process and the way he invents characters?
(a) The predictability of it.
(b) The unpredictability of it.
(c) The extensive research done before writing.
(d) The extensive reading of other fiction done before writing.

6. Which one of the following does Tolkien vigorously discuss in his letters?
(a) Grading papers.
(b) Talking with students.
(c) Reporting to class on time.
(d) Reading academic books.

7. Which one of Tolkien's books explains the history of Elvenkind?
(a) The Lord of the Rings.
(b) The Hobbit.
(c) The Legend of Sigurd and Gudrún.
(d) The Silmarillion.

8. How often does Tolkien write to Edith during the time they are separated?
(a) Once a week.
(b) Once a month.
(c) Never.
(d) Once a day.

9. According to Tolkien in Letter #131, what is the source of magic in his stories?
(a) Only the Elves.
(b) Only the Machine.
(c) The Machine and the Elves.
(d) Neither the Machine nor the Elves.

10. How does Tolkien describe the change that he has made to his manuscript in Letter #129?
(a) Final.
(b) Reversible.
(c) Perfect.
(d) Negotiable.

11. What book inspired a schoolboy to write to Tolkien, prompting his response in Letter #114?
(a) The Hobbit.
(b) The Lord of the Rings.
(c) The Silmarillion.
(d) Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics.

12. Which character does Tolkien indicate has gained the most power by wearing the Ring?
(a) Sauron.
(b) The Witch-king of Angmar.
(c) Saruman.
(d) Gollum.

13. Which one of the following best describes Tolkien's recount of the history surrounding his poem in "Publisher Drama"?
(a) Lengthy.
(b) Incomplete.
(c) Expected.
(d) Brief.

14. How does Tolkien think children will respond to Farmer Giles of Ham?
(a) They will not understand it.
(b) He encourages them not to read it.
(c) They might like it.
(d) They will not like it.

15. How much time has passed between Tolkien's initial idea for drawing maps and when it becomes an issue with a publisher?
(a) A decade.
(b) Eight years.
(c) Over a decade.
(d) Four years.

Short Answer Questions

1. In Letter #131, what reason does Tolkien reveal for creating his alternate world of fiction?

2. In what month does Tolkien write to Christopher about the writing process for The Hobbit?

3. By what year does Tolkien insist that his books be published with his new publisher?

4. Who is the person that Tolkien thanks, and is the recipient of Letter #130?

5. Who provides input , feedback, and advice for the letters in the book?

(see the answer keys)

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