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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. Why do the extremists kidnap Rikki Stormgren?

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

3. What is true about Earth in the 21st century?

4. What is Alexander Wainwright's chief issue with the occupation by the alien invaders?

5. What is the result of people working less?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What are some of the adjustments the Overlords have to make to adapt to being on Earth?

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

4. What happens during Rikki Stormgren's meeting with Karellen in Chapter 4?

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

6. How does Rupert Boyce explain the presence of an Overlord, Rashaverak, at his party?

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

8. Who is Pieter Van Ryberg, and what does he do after Rikki Stormgren's disappearance?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Professor Sullivan has prepared a squid and whale display for the Overlords to take back to their home planet. Describe the symbolism suggested by the whale and the squid as it amplifies the plot of the novel. Discuss why the story of Jonah and the whale is of interest to Karellen. Identify any elements of foreshadowing in Karellen's knowledge of the biblical story.

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

Throughout the book, Clarke drops subtle hints (and some not so subtle) of what is to come, employing the literary device of foreshadowing. Identify at least three major incidences of foreshadowing, in which an event in the book points toward its ultimate conclusion. With each event earlier in the book, cite the event that fulfills the foreshadowing that came earlier, and the plot elements that moved the story from the foreshadowing incident to the outcome.

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