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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 does Jan Rodricks observe that he also saw on the aliens' home planet?

2. What is Jean Morrel shocked to find in her new home?

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

4. What does Jeffrey Greggson dream about after his family has relocated to its new home?

5. Why is Professor Sullivan sad in Chapter 13?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why do the Overlords watch George Greggson's children?

2. 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?

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

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

5. Why is Karellen sad at the end of the novel?

6. Why are George Greggson and Jean Morrel spending more time with their children in Chapter 19?

7. Why are people worldwide grieving after George Greggson and Jean Morrel's children begin to change?

8. What is symbolic about the whale and the squid, especially in light of the end of the novel?

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

10. What does Jan Rodricks observe after the Overlords depart and leave him as the last person on Earth, and what does he wonder about the Overlords and his role at the end?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Karellen and the Overlords have a definite plan when it comes to the establishment of a Utopian state. In light of the entire novel, discuss why the Overlords have a compulsion to reform Earth's society. Consider the conditions ushered in by the Overlords - transforming Earth into Utopia. Explain why most humans are willing to embrace this new state. Compare and contrast the Overlords' tactful use of power vs. the use of brute force. Describe which method you feel was most appropriate for humanity in the book, assuming that the Overlords could have chosen to use force.

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 two scientists introduced in "Childhood's End" are only seen in Chapter 1. Compare and contrast Reinhold Hoffmann and Konrad Schneider, and describe the function these two characters play in setting the stage for the novel. Discuss whether or not the work of these two characters impacts the rest of the novel in any fashion.

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