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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. What are the children involved in that lasts almost a year?

2. What do George Greggson and Jean Morrel see Jeffrey Greggson doing as the invaders take action with the children in Chapter 21?

3. What is unique about the island George Greggson and Jean Morrel visit?

4. What is the name of the invaders' home planet?

5. What does Jan Rodricks see in the museum he visits?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why was New Athens founded, by whom, and what is its greatest artistic achievement?

2. Why do George Greggson and Jean Morrel move to New Athens? Describe their adjustment to their new home.

3. Explain the nature of Jeffrey Greggson's dreams as revealed in Chapter 18 and how the Overlords evaluate what is happening to him.

4. What happens at the council meeting between the leaders of New Athens and the Overlord "Inspector," Thanthalteresco? How does Thanthalteresco respond to Dr. Sen's comments?

5. How does Jan Rodricks respond when approaching Earth on his return, and why?

6. Explain George Greggson's observations and feelings at the beginning of Chapter 21.

7. How does Karellen explain to Jan Rodricks mankind's ancient fear of the satanic appearance of the Overlords?

8. What does Karellen tell Professor Sullivan about the whale display upon seeing it for the first time, and what is the significance of what he says ?

9. Describe the response and mindset of the people of New Athens after the children are evacuated.

10. In his radio address in Chapter 20, what does Karellen explain is his reason for occupying the planet?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

One goal of the Overlords is the establishment of a World Federation. Compare and contrast the concept of a World Federation to our current system of self-governing nations. Taking a look at both sides of the argument, choose which ideology seems the most reasonable, and justify that ideology. Explain whether or not insurrection against an established ideology is justified or not, using the Freedom League's opposition to the Overlords as a starting point.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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.

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