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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. From what does Lije tell Daneel to stay away?

2. What does Philip Norris, Plain Clothes Man C-5 ask Lije?

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

4. What does Lije tell Jesse when she is worried?

5. Why is Daneel eliminated as a suspect?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. When Daneel and Lije return to their apartment, what horrifies does Daneel do that horrifies Lije? Would you feel the same way

6. How does Dr. Gerrigel demonstrate the first law of robotics and at the same time prove once and for all R. Daneel's innocence?

7. Do you think Clousarr is an evil character?

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

9. What does Lije propose and how does Dr. Gerrigel refute Lije's theory?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

When Lije finally enters Spacetown he is disturbed by the feeling of wind and breathing in of real air. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think Lije finds fresh air and wind disturbing? How would you feel about it if you did not experience it very often?

2. Lije does not even recognize an apple as food because his food is made mostly of yeast substances. Would you feel the quality of life is worthwhile in such a place?

3. How likely is it that in a few hundred years, Earth will be living in the manner suggested in THE CAVES OF STEEL?

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

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.

(see the answer keys)

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