1. What childhood story makes Lije re-think Enderby as the murder suspect and why do you think Lije makes the connection between the story and Enderby?

2. How has Lije's knowledge of robotics grown enough that he is able to use that knowledge to get Daneel's cooperation?

3. How is R. Daneel able to assure Lije of Enderby's innocence and does Daneel's explanation seem plausible?

4. Do you think Clousarr is an evil character?

5. What is the explanation that Dr. Gerrigel offers for the physical appearance of robots. Does this explanation seem plausible to you?

6. How does Lije react to Bentley showing up at the apartment and what does this say about the relationship between Lije and Jesse?

7. How is a conflict between Lije's professional and personal life demonstrated in this chapter and how does Lije handle it?

8. How does THE CAVES OF STEEL reach its climax and subsequent denouement?

9. Compare the relationship of Enderby and Lije with that of Lije and Daneel at the conclusion of the novel.

10. How has the murder of R. Sammy changed the relationship between Lije and R. Daneel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

In "Introduction to a Family," we learn a little about Lije and Jesse's relationship and how they function as a family with their son, Bentley. Discuss the following:

1. Compare/contrast Lije's family with your own.

2. Thoroughly discuss and analyze the relationship between Lije and Jesse. Are their given names (Elijah and Jezebel) perhaps symbolic of their relationship in some way?

3. Do you think the family structure observed in THE CAVES OF STEEL is as strong as that in the general American population?

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?