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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. Why does Lije go to Spacetown?

2. What would Lije not mind as far as his position?

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

4. What must Lije do to enter Spacetown?

5. What is the average life expectancy for a male on Fastolfe's home planet, Aurora?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do you think Lije feels about bringing home a robot who is his professional partner?

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 does Lije observe about R. Daneel and what might be the implication of this observation?

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

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

8. Why does Lije request Enderby to be a witness to a conversation Lije is about to have with Dr. Fastolfe and R. Daneel?

9. Do you think Lije's personal feelings about robots and his experience with R. Daneel in the shoe store will interfere with his job as a police officer to investigate the Spacer death with R. Daneel?

10. What is it about Fastolfe's age that most Earthmen would find extraordinary and do you think you would enjoy his lifespan?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

It is immediately apparent that there is a conflict between humans and robots. Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of man versus robots.

2. Discuss how you think robots would change our culture today if they started performing most of the service occupations.

3. Do you think the fears about robots in THE CAVES OF STEEL is justified? Explain fully.

Essay Topic 2

Issac Asimov is one of the most prolific writers, both science fiction and other genres, including acadmic, of his time. It is useful to know about him not just because he authored THE CAVES OF STEEL, but because his authorial life is quite astounding. Discuss the following:

1. Research Asimov and write a brief biography of Asimov.

2. What do you find to be most impressive about the man?

3. What do you think is Asimov's greatest accomplishment?

4. If you were told that you had to write 900 or so books and other works, how would you respond?

Essay Topic 3

Dr. Fastolfe is currently one hundred and sixty three years old, and on Fastolfe's home planet, Aurora, the average life expectancy for a male is three hundred and fifty years. Discuss the following:

1. What would it be like to have a life expectancy of 350 years?

2. Could Earth sustain life if people lived that long?

3. Do you think if the life expectancy were that long, the birth rate would plummet?

4. How long would adolescence last if one lived to be 350 years old?

(see the answer keys)

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