View a FREE sample

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

Short Answer Questions

1. How does the author describe Callia?

2. Why would it be suspicious for Homir to turn around to drop Arcadia off at home?

3. With whom does Arcadia settle while on Trantor?

4. Who is Stettin talking to when first introduced in 10-12?

5. Arcadia says she needs to deliver a message to her father about what?

Short Essay Questions

1. How has Kalgan changed since the Mule's death?

2. How does Callia convince Stettin to allow herself, Arcadia and Homir into the Mule's palace?

3. What does Callia do for Arcadia in her private chamber? What does Arcadia see as Callia flees the room?

4. Why does Dr. Darell think that his daughter is dead?

5. What is appealing to Stettin about Arcadia's heritage? What does Stettin want Arcadia to become for him?

6. Why is Arcadia so excited to meet Lady Callia?

7. What is Callia's explanation for why no one is allowed to enter into the Mule's palace? Has Stettin entered the palace according to Callia?

8. Why does Dr. Darrell consider the Second Foundation an enemy? What made him realize this?

9. How does Dr. Darell soothe Anthor's worries about Arcadia's disappearance?

10. Where does Arcadia hide while about Homir's ship? Why does she decide to come out of her hiding spot?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Asimov is a leading author in the literary genre of science fiction and his novel "Second Foundation" is an example of his work that fits into this category. Respond to the following with supporting examples from the story:

1) How does the setting of the novel reflect elements of science fiction?

2) How does the technology featured in the novel reflect attributes of science fiction?

3) In what ways does science fiction allow Asimov to write about events featured in "Second Foundation"?

Essay Topic 2

The writing technique of foreshadowing event is employed by Asimov throughout the novel. Please respond to the following with supporting examples:

1) How does Asimov foreshadow Channis' betrayal?

2) What clues does the author give about the discord that Dr. Darell and his colleagues experience in their second meeting? How does their first meeting foreshadow this conflict?

3) What is the purpose of foreshadowing in the novel? Does it provide a bigger surprise when events turn out in a different way?

Essay Topic 3

By the end of the novel many preconceptions of the plot are turned around in revelations presented by the author. Respond to the following with supporting evidence from the book:

1) What is Asimov's purpose in having so many twist endings?

2) How does the twist ending of the downfall of the Mule differ from the ending of the book as a whole?

3) How do the twist endings serve to screen the inevitable triumph of the Second Foundation in the plot of the book?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 778 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample