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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. Where does Jan Rodricks attend school?

2. What causes the disillusion of many religious beliefs?

3. Where are George Greggson and Jean Morrel from?

4. What is the name of the Pacific island that is the shuttle launch site?

5. What group is reserved for the most important people on Earth?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why are professional sports almost obsolete in 2050?

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

3. Why are newspapers virtually obsolete in 2050?

4. List at least two facts about each of Jan Rodricks' parents. How have his parents influenced who he is?

5. What does Reinhold Hoffmann see in the night sky over the island of Taratura, and what does it imply?

6. What is the relationship between Reinhold Hoffmann and the Russian scientist Konrad Schneider?

7. Rikki Stormgren triggers an x-ray device on board the Overlords' ship. Why does Stormgren bring the device on board, and what does the x-ray reveal?

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

9. Who are the Overlords, and where are they found at the beginning of Chapter 2?

10. Who is Karellen, and what does he state is his intention for occupying Earth?

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 last few chapters of "Childhood's End" are tinged with definite melancholy and a sense of loss. Discuss George Greggson and Jean Morrel's feelings as their two children seem to be slipping away. Discuss if this is akin to the grief someone would feel at the death of a loved one. Compare the sense of loss they feel with the emotions Karellen seems to be developing toward the end of the story. Are the two children really "lost"? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 3

George Greggson and Jan Rodricks seem to be kindred spirits. While they are alike in many ways, there are some significant differences, especially in how they respond to the Overlords' rule. Identify several differences and explain how they affect the outcome of their lives. Discuss how those differences are employed by Clarke to provide different perspectives for the reader.

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