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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 13-15, what relationship does Stettin want with Arcadia?

2. What is Stettin's second order in 13-15?

3. Dr. Darell wants Seimic to build him what?

4. In 10-12, why will Homir's motives in going to Kalgan be less suspicious?

5. How does Arcadia imagine Callia to be?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Dr. Darell caught in a no-win situation in 16-18?

2. Why is the Imperial Library an important place to Arcadia?

3. 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?

4. In 10-12, how does Arcadia persuade Homir not to turn around to drop her off at home?

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

6. What two orders does Stettin send out after Callia manipulates him into thinking he has a chance to start an empire?

7. Why do Merius and Stettin seek the help of Homir at the end of 10-12?

8. In 16-18, what does Dr. Darell want from Seimic? What is Seimic's response?

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

10. What are Stettin's reasonings for going to war that he describes to Merius?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Asimov presents the organizations and characters in the novel in an ambiguous nature, not defining if something is officially good or bad. Please respond to the following with supporting examples from the book:

1) How does the author present an ambiguous viewpoint of the "Second Foundation?"

2) Why is the character development of Dr. Darell an example of Asimov's lack of clearly defining motives and beliefs?

3) What is Asimov's purpose in maintaining an ambiguous stance in "Second Foundation"? Does it allow the reader to make his own decisions?

Essay Topic 2

The author was decidedly involved in education and academics and this real life influence is clearly represented throughout the novel. Respond to the following with supporting evidence from the book:

1) How did Asimov's life in education influence the book?

2) How do characters involved in academics, such as Homir and Seimic influence the events of the novel?

3) What is Asimov saying about the importance of education by having highly educated characters as the leaders of a rebellious group trying to overthrow a dominant organization?

Essay Topic 3

There are three female characters presented in "Second Foundation:" Arcadia, Callia and Momma. All of the characters have great influence in the plot of the novel. Please respond to the following with supporting evidence:

1) What way does Asimov portray the character of Arcadia?

2) What way does Asimov portray the character of Callia?

3) What way does Asimov portray the character of Momma?

4) Does the author imply that females have important roles in society alongside that of men?

(see the answer keys)

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