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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. When Jesse sees Daneel again, what does she guess?

2. With what is Lije content?

3. What must Lije leave behind at the guard station?

4. What is one clue that makes Lije think Daneel is human?

5. What does Lije believe Enderby will think about Lije's theory of the murder?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Lije's rationale for believing Dr. Sarton is not dead, but that the Spacers want the Earthmen to believe Dr. Sarton is murdered by a City dweller?

2. What is the problem that Lije and R. Daneel encounter at the shoe store, and do you think the women are justified?

3. Why do you think Bentley seems conflicted about R. Daneel?

4. What does Lije state about the murder of Dr. Sarton and how is his analysis received by Dr. Fastolfe and Enderby?

5. What are a couple differences between the City where Lije lives and Spacetown?

6. How has the word "city" changed in the time of this novel?

7. Does it seem Jessie's uneasiness about R. Daneel is her peculiar belief or do others share her sentiments?

8. How are robots used by Earthmen versus Spacers?

9. What possible theme is already apparent in this first chapter?

10. Why do the Spacers want Earthmen to accept robots among them?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When Lije finally enters Spacetown he is disturbed by the feeling of wind and breathing in of real air. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think Lije finds fresh air and wind disturbing? How would you feel about it if you did not experience it very often?

2. Lije does not even recognize an apple as food because his food is made mostly of yeast substances. Would you feel the quality of life is worthwhile in such a place?

3. How likely is it that in a few hundred years, Earth will be living in the manner suggested in THE CAVES OF STEEL?

Essay Topic 2

It seems obvious that Lije wants to keep his professional life separate from his private/family life. Discuss the following:

1. In what ways does Lije try to separate his private from his professional life?

2. Do you think it is healthy for a person to keep their private lives and professional/work lives completely separate? Why or why not?

3. When you were a child, how aware were you of what your Mom/Dad did career wise? Do you wish they had told you more?

Essay Topic 3

THE CAVES OF STEEL is written in the genre of science fiction. Discuss the following:

1. What sets science fiction apart from other genres?

2. Some people might say that science fiction is merely for entertainment? Do you agree or not? Explain.

3. Discuss why THE CAVES OF STEEL falls under the genre of science fiction.

(see the answer keys)

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