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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. How does Foyle bypass Kempsey's sympathetic block?

2. According to Forrest, how many people were on board the Vorga?

3. What game is to be played at the legal party given by Regis Sheffield?

4. What is the Four Mile Circus?

5. Where is the Central Intelligence headquarters from which Y'ang-Yeovil handles reports in Chapter 12?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the Cellar Christians and why they feel the need to conduct themselves in the fashion they do.

2. What is Foyle's relationship with Steve Forrest, and where does Foyle find Forrest?

3. Who does Foyle kidnap on Mars? Describe Foyle's victim.

4. What is the nature of the discussion in the Star Chamber in Chapter 14?

5. What does Robin do regarding Foyle at the opening of Chapter 12, and what secret of hers is made known?

6. What is Y'ang-Yeovil's role on the Spanish Steps?

7. Describe a sympathetic block.

8. What do Robin and Foyle do after their appearance at a Shanghai party to further Foyle's quest?

9. How does Robin assist Foyle in his role as Geoffrey Fourmyle?

10. What is the nature of the surgery Foyle had after the recovery of the treasure from the Nomad?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In the last chapter of the book, Bester attempts something close to transcendence. The reader is faced with the questions: What does all this mean? What ultimately happened to Foyle? What will potentially happen to mankind? Is Foyle the "messiah? Answer these questions in detail, with the understanding that your answers are very subjective.

Essay Topic 2

The Stars My Destination was written in 1956. While parts of the novel are dated, other parts have stood the test of time. Identify two or three "big themes" the novel tackles--themes that exist outside the constraints of science fiction--and explain how those themes still resonate and have value to readers today.

Essay Topic 3

Gully Foyle is introduced in Chapter 1. The book identifies him as "everyman." The concept of the everyman is a common one in literature, but does Foyle fulfill the stereotypical traits of the everyman? Write an analysis of Foyle, based on the information we have at his introduction. Include in your analysis his background, his goals and objectives, his personality, and explain whether he is a sympathetic character and a character the reader can identify with.

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