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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. Who is Alexander Wainwright?

2. How many ships are actually present on or around Earth?

3. Where does Jan Rodricks meet Professor Sullivan?

4. What causes the disillusion of many religious beliefs?

5. How does Pierre Duval conclude that Rikki Stormgren can see Karellen?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Alexander Wainwright, and what is his role?

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

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

4. What game does Rupert Boyce play with his remaining guests, and why?

5. Why are newspapers virtually obsolete in 2050?

6. What group kidnaps Rikki Stormgren, and for what reason?

7. Why are the journalists and spectators waiting in anticipation at the beginning of Chapter 5?

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

9. What is the difference between the Eastern media and Western media concerning the Overlords' rule?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

New Athens is introduced as another backdrop for events in the novel, and Ben Salomon is identified as the colony's founder. Contrast the differences in New Athens and the rest of the Utopian society. Discuss Salomon's rationale in founding New Athens. Note and emphasize his desire for it to be an artists' colony and his reasoning behind that decision. Another biblical reference is noted with Salomon and his comparison to Moses. Discuss the spiritual (but not necessarily religious) implications in Salomon's work.

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

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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