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. Why does Arcadia want to see the Imperial Library?

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

3. At the end of 13-15, why does Arcadia believe that the Lieutenant let her go on purpose?

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

5. Arcadia tells Callia that there are rumors about Kalgan becoming an empire, but the only possible way is for what to happen?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. What two orders does Stettin send out after Callia manipulates him into thinking he has a chance to start an empire?

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

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

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

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

10. Why is Anthor upset that Arcadia has disappeared?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Being the third book in the Foundation Trilogy, "Second Foundation" has many qualities that clue the reader into it being part of a series. Please respond to the following with supporting details from the novel:

1) How does Asimov include the reader into the series right from the start in his introduction to the book?

2) What events in the story are continuations from previous books in the series?

3) Is a reader able to read "Second Foundation" without having read the two previous books? How does Asimov assist in this process?

Essay Topic 2

The author emphasizes individuality through writing about characters' personal choices influencing the events of the book. Respond to the following with supporting references to examples in the novel:

1) How do several characters throughout the story display their own individuality? How does Channis? How does Palver?

2) The character of Pritcher has his mind controlled by the Mule - how does Asimov portray his individuality?

3) What issues in the novel repress individuality? Are these things presented in a positive or negative way?

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)

This section contains 887 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample