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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to Tolkien in Letter #131, what is the source of magic in his stories?

2. When does the history of the Elves begin?

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

4. What subject is a student's thesis about that Tolkien expects to find boring?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. What observation does Tolkien make about his Middle English class to Mrs. E.M. Wright in Letter #6?

2. Who is Tolkien traveling with in the story he recounts for Christopher in a letter from April 3, 1944, and what is the point of the story?

3. How does Tolkien write about being given the position of chairing the English department at the university?

4. How are the letters for "To Unwin about The Hobbit" chosen and what information is left out of them?

5. What inspires a schoolboy to write to Tolkien about The Hobbit in Letter #114 and what advice does Tolkien give in return?

6. What are galleys in literature and how does Tolkien respond to the editing process of The Lord of the Rings?

7. How does Tolkien design Farmer Giles of Ham and what does he think about it being considered a children's story?

8. What is the One Ring of Power in Tolkien's stories?

9. How does Tolkien refer to The Hobbit in his early letters to Christopher?

10. What are the Stages of History that Tolkien describes in Letter #131?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze Tolkien's friendship with C.S. Lewis using his own accounts in the letters he writes about Lewis. Also, explain the controversy surrounding Lewis' work, the way Tolkien deals with his death, and the facts that Tolkien includes in remembering Lewis.

Essay Topic 2

In Letter #246, Tolkien evaluates Frodo's heroic and moral qualities in The Lord of the Rings.

1) Describe Mrs. Eileen Elgar's observation of Frodo's actions and Tolkien's response to it.

2) Explain why Tolkien considers Frodo to be a non-hero, including the supporting logic he uses as well as your thoughts on his viewpoint.

3) Analyze Frodo's breakdown and the moral implications of it as well as the conclusions Tolkien makes from the event.

Essay Topic 3

Chronicle Tolkien's fascination with stories from his childhood to his career as an author. Include a description of how he used his skills and abilities to develop his appreciation of stories and languages.

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