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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How does Tolkien describe the domestic problems he is having in a letter before he moves to a small house?
(a) Inexcusable.
(b) Intolerable.
(c) Unexpected.
(d) Unpredictable.

2. As stated in the letters included in "Publisher Drama," how many times does Tolkien have the chance to use the poetic invention he makes?
(a) Four times.
(b) Three times.
(c) Twice.
(d) Once.

3. How many academic articles is Tolkien a writer for, as referred to in "The Professor"?
(a) At least ten.
(b) At least one.
(c) At least twenty.
(d) Over twenty.

4. What does Tolkien focus on when his books make less than anticipated progress with publishers?
(a) His family.
(b) His teaching job.
(c) Writing to the publishers.
(d) Writing other books.

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

6. What invention does Tolkien make when writing the poem being discussed with Unwin?
(a) A new world.
(b) A new word.
(c) A new genre.
(d) A new meter.

7. How do the Hobbits respond to magic in Tolkien's stories?
(a) They are amused by it.
(b) They are confused by it.
(c) They are angered by it.
(d) They try to ignore it.

8. How does Tolkien design the book, Farmer Giles of Ham?
(a) Not to be read aloud.
(b) To be read as several separate stories.
(c) To be read in one sitting.
(d) To be read aloud.

9. In what year does Tolkien become disturbed by the length of time to publish The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Silmarillion?
(a) 1951.
(b) 1950.
(c) 1949.
(d) 1948.

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

11. 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.

12. What is left out of the letters included in "To Unwin about The Hobbit"?
(a) The full names of the people that the letters are addressed to.
(b) The endings of the letters.
(c) Months and dates.
(d) Personal information.

13. Whom does Tolkien originally ask to draw maps for the imaginary world of The Lord of the Rings?
(a) Edith.
(b) A friend.
(c) A professional illustrator.
(d) Christopher.

14. With whom does Tolkien work in order to avoid the responsibilities of chairing the English department?
(a) The dean.
(b) The department supervisor.
(c) Students.
(d) Colleagues.

15. Who is the person that Tolkien thanks, and is the recipient of Letter #130?
(a) Humphrey Carpenter.
(b) George Allen.
(c) Rayner Unwin.
(d) Milton Waldman.

Short Answer Questions

1. How much time has passed between Tolkien's initial idea for drawing maps and when it becomes an issue with a publisher?

2. Who leads The Enemy in Tolkien's stories?

3. As Tolkien explains in Letter #131, what motivates The Enemy in his stories?

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

5. How many times do the Elves and the Dwarves share an enduring friendship throughout their history?

(see the answer keys)

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