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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. In 13-15, what does Arcadia think she saw on Callia's face for an instant as Callia fled?

2. What does the note say that Poli gives Dr. Darell?

3. How does Dr. Darell react to Arcadia's note?

4. In 16-18, who does Anthor bring to the meeting with Dr. Darell?

5. How does the author describe Callia?

Short Essay Questions

1. How has Kalgan changed since the Mule's death?

2. 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?

3. Why does Dr. Darell think that his daughter is dead?

4. What is appealing to Stettin about Arcadia's heritage? What does Stettin want Arcadia to become for him?

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

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

7. How does Arcadia escape from being discovered after she is announced as a wanted fugitive?

8. Why does Anthor try to convice Dr. Darell to go to Trantor?

9. What does Callia do for Arcadia in her private chamber? What does Arcadia see as Callia flees the room?

10. In 10-12, how does Arcadia persuade Homir not to turn around to drop her off at home?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

During the 1940s and 1950s, both the United Sates and the USSR struggled to achieve dominance in their area of the globe. Asimov uses this scuffle for power as inspiration for the novel. Respond to the following with supporting examples from the book:

1) How does Asimov parallel the dominance of the Mule with that of the USSR?

2) Why do the geographic locations of the Foundation and the Mule mimic that of the United States and the USSR?

3) What is Asimov's purpose in making comparisons to that point in history with his novel?

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

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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