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. What special meaning does Trantor have for Arcadia?

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

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

4. In 13-15 why does Homir worry about his newly granted access to the Mule's palace?

5. What does Anthor suggest Dr. Darell do in 16-18?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Dr. Darell thinking about at the beginning of 16-18? Why does he decide to stay in his current course of action?

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

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

4. Why is Anthor upset that Arcadia has disappeared?

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

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

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

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

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

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 writing technique of foreshadowing event is employed by Asimov throughout the novel. Please respond to the following with supporting examples:

1) How does Asimov foreshadow Channis' betrayal?

2) What clues does the author give about the discord that Dr. Darell and his colleagues experience in their second meeting? How does their first meeting foreshadow this conflict?

3) What is the purpose of foreshadowing in the novel? Does it provide a bigger surprise when events turn out in a different way?

Essay Topic 2

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?

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 852 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample