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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 is the Overmind?

2. How does Karellen reveal that Jan Rodricks was a stowaway on the alien ship?

3. What does Jennifer Greggson spend all her time doing?

4. What does Karellen predict about Earth during his press conference in Chapter 14?

5. Where does Karellen send one of his fellow invaders?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What are George Greggson's thoughts on Jan Rodricks after he learns that Rodricks has stowed away on an Overlord ship? How does Greggson identify with Rodricks?

4. What events are foreshadowed when the Inspector shares his report with Karellen after meeting with the New Athens council?

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

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

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

8. During the press conference at which Karellen says that Jan Rodricks has stowed away on the Overlords' spaceship, what part of Karellen's nature does he reveal?

9. What is ironic about Jan Rodricks' return to Earth?

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

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

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.

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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