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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. What does Karellen do to the extremists when Karellen helps Rikki Stormgren escape?

2. Why do the aliens find Jean Morrel valuable?

3. After the aliens have established their rule on Earth, what evidence is seen of their influence?

4. What does Karellen believe can achieve political harmony?

5. Why is Jan Rodricks generally unsatisfied?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Jan Rodricks learn from his research in star catalogs, and what is the significance of his discovery?

2. Who is Pierre Duval, and what is his significance in the story?

3. What is the role of the American scientist Reinhold Hoffmann?

4. What does Jan Rodricks ask Professor Sullivan to help him do, and what is Sullivan's response?

5. Who is Grigorievitch, and what expectations does he have of Konrad Schneider?

6. What biblical story does Jan Rodricks refer to in his letter to his sister, and why is that significant?

7. How do the Overlords intimidate humans with a ruse?

8. Who is Rikki Stormgren, and what is his role?

9. How are George Greggson and Jean Morrel introduced in Chapter 7?

10. What is so shocking about the Overlords' appearance as revealed in Chapter 5?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Several times throughout the book, Clarke calls upon mythological imagery. Describe and discuss the role that mythology plays in the book. Why did Clarke use mythology in the fashion that he did? Is it used effectively? Does it detract from the overall impression of the story? Explain your answers in depth.

Essay Topic 2

The Overlords have clearly stated that the stars are not meant for man. In light of the whole novel, discuss whether or not the Overlords' statement is a valid one. Discuss, from the viewpoint of the Overlords, their rationale in wanting humans to remain earthbound.

Essay Topic 3

Earth, as the characters in the novel know it, ends. In the story arc, identify when the end of mankind becomes inevitable. Discuss whether or not the novel could have ended any other way. Are George Greggson, Jean Morrel, and Jan Rodricks tragic figures, or are they heroes? Defend your answer. If Clarke had asked you to title his novel, would you have chosen "Childhood's End" or "Childhood's Beginning"? Explain your answer.

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