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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. How does the leader of the invaders make first contact with the people of Earth?

2. Why do the extremists kidnap Rikki Stormgren?

3. Where does Rupert Boyce live?

4. What does Jan Rodricks examine at Rupert Boyce's home?

5. What does Karellen believe can achieve political harmony?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Throughout the course of the book, after the establishment of Utopia, more and more people become disenchanted with that lifestyle. Three pivotal characters - Rupert Boyce, George Greggson and Jan Rodricks - are introduced in Chapter 7. Compare and contrast these three men, especially in light of their diverse attitudes toward the Utopian lifestyle.

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

The supernatural seems to intrude on the natural during the seance held at Rupert Boyce's home. While "Childhood's End" is a work of science fiction, identify two or three events that might seem better suited to a work of fantasy or supernatural fiction. Why did Clarke interject these events into what most would consider "hard" science fiction? Discuss whether Clarke using this fictional convention helps or hinders the overall theme of the book.

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