View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who has been ruling Kalgan since the Mule's death?

2. In 13-15, what relationship does Stettin want with Arcadia?

3. Where does the Lieutenant tell Dr. Darell Arcadia went?

4. Why does Arcadia want to see the Imperial Library?

5. How does Arcadia tell Palver her secret message?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Callia convince Stettin to allow herself, Arcadia and Homir into the Mule's palace?

2. What are Stettin's reasonings for going to war that he describes to Merius?

3. How does Arcadia convince Palver to go to the Foundation and deliver a message for her?

4. Why does Dr. Darrell consider the Second Foundation an enemy? What made him realize this?

5. What is Callia's explanation for why no one is allowed to enter into the Mule's palace? Has Stettin entered the palace according to Callia?

6. Why is Arcadia so excited to meet Lady Callia?

7. Where does Arcadia hide while about Homir's ship? Why does she decide to come out of her hiding spot?

8. Why is Dr. Darell caught in a no-win situation in 16-18?

9. Why do Merius and Stettin seek the help of Homir at the end of 10-12?

10. Why is the Imperial Library an important place to Arcadia?

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 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?

Essay Topic 3

Asimov presents the organizations and characters in the novel in an ambiguous nature, not defining if something is officially good or bad. Please respond to the following with supporting examples from the book:

1) How does the author present an ambiguous viewpoint of the "Second Foundation?"

2) Why is the character development of Dr. Darell an example of Asimov's lack of clearly defining motives and beliefs?

3) What is Asimov's purpose in maintaining an ambiguous stance in "Second Foundation"? Does it allow the reader to make his own decisions?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 868 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample