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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. How does Enderby accidentally kill Dr. Sarton?

2. What were the Spacers able to do with Lije?

3. Where do Daneel and Lije go?

4. Of what does Daneel assure Lije?

5. What does Dr. Fastolfe tell Daneel to tell Lije?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Do you think Clousarr is an evil character?

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

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

7. 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?

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

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

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

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.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Besides the fact that robots are taking some of the jobs from the Earth people, many miss the fact that Human interaction is lost and efficiency overrules personal assistance. Discuss the following:

1. Why do you think the people of Earth prefer human assistance?

2. How similar is their revolt to many people in our culture who complain about trying to call a company and getting a voice instructing them to push numbers?

3. Do you think there will be a time when robots do all the work for human beings? What do you think will be gained by that? What will be lost?

(see the answer keys)

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