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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. When the men are chasing Lije and Daneel, what does Daneel soon tell Lije?

2. Why does Clousarr sulk the whole way out onto Seventeenth Street?

3. What does Daneel pull out of his chest?

4. Who asks Lije about the call he made to Washington D.C. to Dr. Gerrigel, a roboticist specialist?

5. What does Clousarr try to do to Daneel?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. How does the conversation between Lije and Clousarr show Lije's changing opinions of robots?

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

6. Why can't Daneel use cerebroanalysis to find the murderer?

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

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

9. Does Lije seem to be finally thinking more clearly and to what might you attribute that?

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

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

When night falls in New York City, only the wealthiest areas where the natural Solariums are can behold the change in light. The majority of the City is allotted UV-Solariums, which subjects itself to "arbitrary cycles of hours." Even though the possibility for light at all hours of the day may occur, it is still inherit in man to sleep during night. This control of light source is a way to save energy and a way to allow people to work during the 24 hour cycle. Discuss one of the following:

1. Obviously there is still a delineation of society between the "haves" and "have nots." Are you surprised that there is still a strict demarcation between the wealthy and middle class or poor? Discuss fully.

2. Do you think a truly egalitarian society is every achievable? Would one want to achieve such a society? Discuss fully.

3. Still only the wealthy can see the natural changes in light as night flows into day and vice versa, that means many Earth people have never seen the real sky. What do you think life would be like in such a place?

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