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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How long before Tolkien's death is the last letter of the book written?
(a) Four weeks.
(b) Four days.
(c) Ten weeks.
(d) Ten days.

2. What does Tolkien wish for "well-meaning folk who think they know" in Letter #236?
(a) They could be listened to.
(b) They could be reasoned with.
(c) They could be restrained.
(d) They could be appreciated.

3. According to Tolkien in Letter #257, what prevents people from having children?
(a) Fear, but not reluctance.
(b) Reluctance, but not fear.
(c) Neither fear nor reluctance.
(d) Fear and reluctance.

4. What year does Tolkien write a long letter to Jane Neave that is included in "Later Years"?
(a) 1962.
(b) 1961.
(c) 1963.
(d) 1960.

5. As mentioned in Letter #246, where is Frodo unable to give up the Ring?
(a) Fangorn Forest.
(b) Pelennor Fields.
(c) The Cracks of Doom.
(d) The Shire.

6. Based on Tolkien's assessment in Letter #159, who is the most surprised about the results of the published books?
(a) Neither himself nor the publisher.
(b) The publisher.
(c) Either himself or the publisher.
(d) Himself.

7. How does Tolkien expect the publisher to respond to his opinions of the cover designs?
(a) He thinks they will appreciate his opinion, but not act on it.
(b) He thinks they will ignore his opinion.
(c) He thinks they will agree with his opinion.
(d) He thinks they will become upset by reading his opinion.

8. What choice does Tolkien think each person has?
(a) To perfect a skill or to remain a novice.
(b) To search for answers or leave unanswered questions.
(c) To cultivate or leave undeveloped.
(d) To become educated or remain uneducated.

9. How does Tolkien respond to the publisher's actions with the cover designs in "Now the Books Themselves"?
(a) He is confused.
(b) He is thankful.
(c) He is unresponsive.
(d) He is upset.

10. What does the publisher do after reading Tolkien's opinions of the cover designs?
(a) They change the covers based on his opinions.
(b) They threaten to stop publishing the books.
(c) They request more detailed notes from him.
(d) They leave the covers as is despite his opinions.

11. As displayed in Letter #257, what is the connection between Tolkien's childhood and his later years?
(a) His enjoyment of stories.
(b) His education.
(c) His fascination with Elves.
(d) His writing.

12. To whom is Letter #159 addressed?
(a) Rayner Unwin.
(b) Christopher.
(c) Dora Marshall.
(d) Edith.

13. Who are most of the recipients of "The Final Letters"?
(a) Tolkien's relatives.
(b) Tolkien's publishers.
(c) Tolkien's friends.
(d) Tolkien's students.

14. According to Letter #257, why did Tolkien find it difficult to become close friends with Charles Williams, a mutual friend of C.S. Lewis?
(a) Williams was not a writer.
(b) Williams was not a fan of Fairy Tales.
(c) A polar difference in literary appreciation.
(d) A polar difference in mentalities.

15. How does Tolkien respond to the woman when she writes to him to inquire whether he had owned a book she purchased?
(a) He confirms that he had owned the book.
(b) He is unsure if he owned the book or not.
(c) He does not respond.
(d) He denies owning the book.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which versions of The Hobbit earn Tolkien an honorary doctorate, as mentioned in Letter #165?

2. How many Elves does Tolkien think might be able to manage the Ring of Power in Letter #246?

3. Which novel was being made into a paperback, prompting the debate over spelling in Letter #236?

4. What does Tolkien announce to Christopher Bretherton in Letter #257?

5. How does Tolkien categorize the attempts made to change his spellings in Letter #236?

(see the answer keys)

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