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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 are Arcadia's emotions about visiting Callia?

2. In 10-12, why will Homir's motives in going to Kalgan be less suspicious?

3. What form of message does Homir receive from Dr. Darell?

4. When did Dr. Darell first realize the extent of the Second Foundation's control?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. What secret does Anthor reveal about the Lieutenant Dirige to Dr. Darell?

7. Why is Anthor upset that Arcadia has disappeared?

8. How does Poli know that Arcadia has disappeared in 10-12? What is Dr. Darell's reaction?

9. 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?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Second Foundation is a powerful yet hidden organization that the title of the book is derived from. Please respond to the following with supporting examples from the novel:

1) How does the author represent the magnitude of influence the Second Foundation has on the galaxy?

2) Why does the Second Foundation's status of hidden and secret add to its power and influence?

3) Is the Second Foundation represented as good or bad force? Why?

Essay Topic 2

It is difficult to define a standout hero or villain in "Second Foundation" because the author does not present such a figure to the reader. Please respond to the following with supporting evidence from the story:

1) What character is the most like a hero in the story? What happens at the end of the novel to make the reader think otherwise?

2) The Mule is presented to be a villain. His motivation to further the Seldon Plan is one of the few representations of a valid motive in the story. What is the author saying about societies' views on misunderstanding other people?

3) How is the Second Foundation simultaneously represented as a protagonist and antagonist in the book?

Essay Topic 3

With family members, political rulers and even one's own mind being controlled by powerful forces, paranoia plays a powerful role in the novel. Respond to the following with supporting details from "Second Foundation."

1) In what ways does the character of Pritcher exhibit extreme paranoia?

2) What are the reasons that the characters in the book are paranoid? Does the author validate these reasons by the end of the novel?

3) How does the author use a reader's real life concern about mind control to underscore the paranoia in the book?

(see the answer keys)

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