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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 Channis gain the upper hand against the Mule in their confrontation on Rossem?

2. What other planet has the Mule ordered to be destroyed after talking to the First Speaker?

3. In 7-9, what is the name of the mysterious man?

4. Who greets Channis and Pritcher at the end of 1-3?

5. Why does Pritchard pull out his weapon in 4-6?

Short Essay Questions

1. How has Arcadia kept herself busy since Anthor's arrival?

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

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

4. In 4-6, how does the Mule know that Channis is a Second Foundationer?

5. What reasons does the Mule give for believing that the Second Foundation was not on Tazenda judging by Channis' reactions?

6. During the confrontation on Rossem, in what trap does Channis catch the Mule?

7. In 4-6, why is Pritchard so sure that nothing has tampered with him mind?

8. What is the Mule's motivations for finding the Second Foundation? How close has he come to this discovery?

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

10. Toward the end of 1-3, what does the technician find in the ship and what is Channis' response?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

By the end of the novel many preconceptions of the plot are turned around in revelations presented by the author. Respond to the following with supporting evidence from the book:

1) What is Asimov's purpose in having so many twist endings?

2) How does the twist ending of the downfall of the Mule differ from the ending of the book as a whole?

3) How do the twist endings serve to screen the inevitable triumph of the Second Foundation in the plot of the book?

Essay Topic 2

The literary tool of satire is employed by the author throughout the novel, using vile dictators and smug warlords for starters. Respond to the following with supporting evidence from the novel:

1) In what ways does Asimov satire governments in "Second Foundation"?

2) How does the author lampoon dictators who lust for power through the rule and downfall of the Mule?

3) What aspect of the novel's satire illustrates the author's view on his political climate?

Essay Topic 3

Arcadia Darell plays a pivotal role in the events of the novel, yet she is only a 14 year old girl. Please respond to the following with support from "Second Foundation."

1) What attributes does Asimov give Arcadia that represent adolescence in a positive way?

2) What attributes does Asimov give Arcadia that represent adolescence in a negative way?

3) What is Asimov saying about the ability of teenagers to influence society and their community as illustrated in the novel?

(see the answer keys)

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