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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 does Lije tell Enderby in a last ditch effort to hold his life and job together?

2. What did Daneel detect in Clousarr?

3. When Daneel is explaining his abilities, what briefly crosses Lije's mind?

4. With what did Enderby intend to blackmail Lije if necessary?

5. About what does Lije press Daneel?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. 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?

4. Why do you think R. Daneel reveals his vulnerabilities to Lije?

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

6. What theme is demonstrated by the conversation between Lije and Norris?

7. Do you think Lije and Enderby's relationship has changed and how so?

8. Who does Lije call in Washington, D.C. and why does Lije call the man?

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

10. What does the visit to Yeast town demonstrate?

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

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

There are a number of examples in the book where it is obvious that human society is more strictly regulated and structured in the time of THE CAVES OF STEEL than at the present time in the United States. Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the way the world of THE CAVES OF STEEL is structured and regulated. Evaluate its effectiveness and its problems.

2. Compare/contrast the society in which Lije lives versus an average American today.

3. Are there countries that are as tightly controlled in the "real" world as that in THE CAVES OF STEEL? Compare the two.

(see the answer keys)

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