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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. What do the robot and Lije encounter on the way to Lije's home?

2. How do they determine if Lije is healthy?

3. Who is the possible suspect?

4. What is Lije's response to Jesse's fears?

5. What is Lije's real name?

Short Essay Questions

1. How and why is light regulated in the City's artificial environment?

2. How does it seem that Lije reacts to the idea of having a robot for a partner?

3. What is the unexpected result of Lije's accusations about R. Daneel?

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

5. How did Lije meet Jesse, his wife, and what about their names may foreshadow something further in the story?

6. How does Dr. Fastolfe explain the Spacers's paranoia about contact with Earthmen?

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

8. Why is Lije unwilling to ask for reassignment from this case and what is Jesse's attitude about Lije's position on the force?

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

10. Why did Dr. Sarton engage in robotic research?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Besides the fact that robots are taking some of the jobs from the Earth people, many miss the fact that Human interaction is lost and efficiency overrules personal assistance. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think the people of Earth prefer human assistance?

2. How similar is their revolt to many people in our culture who complain about trying to call a company and getting a voice instructing them to push numbers?

3. Do you think there will be a time when robots do all the work for human beings? What do you think will be gained by that? What will be lost?

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