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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. In what year does Tolkien write about a piece of fan mail that boosts his spirits in "The Final Letters"?

2. Based on Tolkien's letter to W.H. Auden, who is responsible for shaping an individual's behavior?

3. What choice does Tolkien think each person has?

4. To whom is Letter #159 addressed?

5. What is Tolkien's age when he writes Letter #253?

Short Essay Questions

1. As Tolkien explains in his letter to Unwin, why is the work of C.S. Lewis opposed by some?

2. What does Tolkien think about Frodo's breakdown at the Cracks of Doom being considered a moral failure?

3. How does Tolkien disprove the misconception that his success was made overnight in Letter #159?

4. What is the mystery of creative writing that Tolkien reveals in Letter #199 to Christopher?

5. Why, when, and how does Tolkien switch from writing with a pen and paper to using a typewriter?

6. What information does Tolkien provide in his remembrance of C.S. Lewis in Letters #257 and #261?

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

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

9. What important announcement does Tolkien make to Christopher Bretherton in Letter #253 about his connection to childhood?

10. How does Tolkien support his assessment of Gandalf's Ring-wearing in Letter #246?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Tolkien offers to give away copies of his manuscripts on two occasions while giving the reader an inside look at his opinions of his own work.

1) Explain the reason why a schoolboy contacts Tolkien about The Hobbit and how Tolkien responds.

2) Describe the way Tolkien refers to his own work in Letter #155 and why he does not think it will be published.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast Tolkien's career as a professor and his career as an author while he is waiting for The Lord of the Rings to be published. Include several examples of his descriptions of his teaching responsibilities, how he approached them during this time, and the reminder he used when he became concerned with the publishing of his work. Then, analyze the way Tolkien writes about his teaching career after his books have become successful and he has been promoted to Senior Professor.

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