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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. In what year does Tolkien write about a piece of fan mail that boosts his spirits in "The Final Letters"?
(a) 1968.
(b) 1970.
(c) 1967.
(d) 1965.

2. 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 denies owning the book.
(d) He does not respond.

3. What does Tolkien think children can become for their parents?
(a) One of the strongest sources of support.
(b) A chance to correct their own mistakes.
(c) One of the strongest sources of information.
(d) A chance to relive their lives.

4. Who is Tolkien replying to in Letter #246?
(a) Mrs. Eileen Elgar.
(b) Edith.
(c) Christopher.
(d) Rayner Unwin.

5. Who are the familiar recipients of the letters of the 1960s that are included in "Later Years"?
(a) Christopher and Rayner Unwin.
(b) Christopher, Edith, and Rayner Unwin.
(c) Christopher and Edith Unwin.
(d) Edith and Rayner Unwin.

Short Answer Questions

1. What year does Tolkien write a long letter to Jane Neave that is included in "Later Years"?

2. According to Tolkien in Letter #257, what prevents people from having children?

3. What university did C.S. Lewis have a Chair position?

4. When is Letter #159 dated?

5. What two months are Letters #146, 147, and 148 written in?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What is the general range in lengths of the letters featured in The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien?

3. What wish does Tolkien have for "well-meaning" editors in Letter #236?

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

5. What observation is made about Tolkien's work that prompts him to evaluate Frodo's heroic status?

6. According to Tolkien's letter to W.H. Auden, what drives humans towards certain behaviors?

7. What changes have occurred in Tolkien's career as a professor by Letter #182 in 1956?

8. In what way does Tolkien think that his story will help both existing parents and future parents?

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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