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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 are George Greggson and Jean Morrel from?

2. How does sunlight affect the aliens?

3. What happens when Rikki Stormgren doesn't show up for work?

4. Where is the alien ship located in Chapter 5?

5. What is Karellen known as?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What does the arrival of the Overlords do to religion?

4. What is Karellen's philosophy about world order that he shares with Rikki Stormgren?

5. What does the use of machines do to Earth culture after the Overlords establish Utopia?

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

7. What frustrations does Jan Rodricks voice to his sister, Maia? Explain how he plans to deal with those frustrations.

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

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

10. What does Alexander Wainwright believe the Overlords are waiting for before revealing themselves?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Religion vs. science is a dominant theme in "Childhood's End." Consider Karellen's desire not to be involved in spiritual matters. Explain why this is a standard he holds. Karellen donates an apparatus to the World History Foundation that shows footage of the past 5,000 years. In spite of the fact that he doesn't want to interfere in spiritual matters, the device dispels many religious views. Discuss and explain why Karellen chose to do this.

Essay Topic 2

Karellen reveals himself in Chapter 5. He invites two children to join him on board his ship before he exits. Consider whether or not children have an inherent fear of the same things adults find frightening, or if fear is a learned response. Discuss the differences between what is frightening to a child and what is frightening to an adult. Describe Karellen's rationale in revealing himself in the fashion he does, based on what he has discerned about human nature.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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