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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 why does Homir worry about his newly granted access to the Mule's palace?

2. What does Callia say about how Stettin feels about the Mule's palace?

3. Why would it be suspicious for Homir to turn around to drop Arcadia off at home?

4. What is Stettin's response to Callia when she tells him that Arcadia said he was going to make an empire?

5. What character was once an admiral in the Kalgan navy?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. In 16-18, what does Dr. Darell want from Seimic? What is Seimic's response?

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Isaac Asimov has had substantial influence in the modern world due to his widely known written works of both nonfiction and fiction. Please respond to the following with supporting facts:

1) How did Asimov's childhood influence his career choice?

2) How did Asimov's career as a science professor influence his choice to write science fiction?

3) What examples of Asimov's beliefs are evident in "Second Foundation"?

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

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?

(see the answer keys)

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