4. 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?

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

6. How does a section kitchen work and what is the implication of such a setup?

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

8. Do you think Clousarr is an evil character?

9. Discuss the game Lije played in his earlier days and how it figures in to his sense of competitiveness with R. Daneel?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When Lije first enters Spacetown, he states that he has solved the case and believes Dr. Sarton is still alive and points to Daneel. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think Lije's reasoning is sound for coming to the conclusion he does?

2. What does it say about Enderby that he is laughing hysterically at Lije?

3. Would you have been as willing to look foolish and make such a proclamation? Why or why not?

4. Was Lije a bit premature in his claim?

Essay Topic 2

Bentley, Lije's son, is against the idea of robots, which may be a reflection not only of how he has been raised in their household but also of how his friends and teachers perceive the situation. Discuss one of the following:

1. Answer the following questions: How influential do you think Bentley's peers are on his opinions? How influential are Jesse's associates in the Medievalist group on her thinking? How about how influential are Lije's colleagues on his thinking?

2. A book called Freakonomics, suggests that peers have the greatest influence on how a child turns out--even more so than parents, teachers, or other adults. Discuss your thoughts about this idea.

3. If Freakonomics is correct and peers have the most influence on the way a child turns out as an adult, how do you think that should influence a parent's interaction and supervision of his/her child? Go into detail with examples.