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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 are the Rossem elders so excited at the beginning of 4-6?

2. Channis says in 1-3 that in order to find the Second Foundation, they must search for a world strong in mental power but lacking in what?

3. Who does the Mule send to accompany Prichard's final mission?

4. How does Pritcher remember his past as described in 1-3?

5. How many years later does section 7-9 take place after section 4-6?

Short Essay Questions

1. What difference in time do the events in 7-9 take place after 4-6 and how is this shown by the characters?

2. What is the history of Han Pritcher and how does this character remember his past?

3. How do the Rossem elders react to the arrival of Pritchard and Channis?

4. In 7-9, what reasons does Arcadia give that she has knowledge that her father is expecting a visitor?

5. How does Channis describe the people of Rossem?

6. When Pritchard grows fearful and begins to think about his life before the Mule conditioned his mind, how does he react?

7. What are Channis' reasons for telling Pritchard that his mind has been tampered with by the Second Foundation in 4-6? Why would the Second Foundation leave Pritchard's feeling of loyalty?

8. How does Channis describe the planet that is likely to be home to the Second Foundation?

9. How does the opening of "Second Foundation" help the reader understand events that have occurred earlier in the trilogy?

10. How does the Mule admit defeat? What happens after the Mule's defeat?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author emphasizes individuality through writing about characters' personal choices influencing the events of the book. Respond to the following with supporting references to examples in the novel:

1) How do several characters throughout the story display their own individuality? How does Channis? How does Palver?

2) The character of Pritcher has his mind controlled by the Mule - how does Asimov portray his individuality?

3) What issues in the novel repress individuality? Are these things presented in a positive or negative way?

Essay Topic 2

The author was decidedly involved in education and academics and this real life influence is clearly represented throughout the novel. Respond to the following with supporting evidence from the book:

1) How did Asimov's life in education influence the book?

2) How do characters involved in academics, such as Homir and Seimic influence the events of the novel?

3) What is Asimov saying about the importance of education by having highly educated characters as the leaders of a rebellious group trying to overthrow a dominant organization?

Essay Topic 3

The tone of the novel has an important effect on a reader's reading experience. "Second Foundation" is solemn in its content and tone. Please respond to the following with supporting evidence from the book:

1) How does Asimov establish the serious tone of the novel from the beginning of the book?

2) What are the major themes of the book and how do these themes affect the tone of the story?

3) Does the serious tone of "Second Foundation" help to accentuate the way the reader perceives the story?

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