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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 Gladia dismiss the possibility that she could have harmed Gruer?

2. What does Baley tell Gladia?

3. What does Daneel say about Aurora's attitude towards Solaria?

4. On what project was Dr. Delmarre working concerning robots?

5. What does Baley question concerning Daneel?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe R. Daneel Steel.

2. What does Klorissa tell Baley was they are touring the fetal farm?

3. Describe the conversation between Elijah and Gladia about Gruer's poisoning.

4. What does Klorissa tell Elijah about the fetus lab and what does Elijah suggest to Klorissa?

5. What does Baley learn about Solaria from Anselmo Quemot?

6. Describe Jothan Leebig.

7. Describe the incident with the arrow that is shot at Baley.

8. Who is the first person Baley interviews and how does the person respond to Baley being there in person?

9. How does Baley respond to Attlebish's orders?

10. What does Leebig say about the Delmarres?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The laws of robotics are discussed in a number of chapters in The Naked Sun. Discuss the following:

1. Explain in your own words the three laws of robotics and why they probably exist.

2. Can you think of any other laws of robotics that should be in place? Explain.

3. If you had a robot employee or servant, would you want it to merely respond to commands with no emotions or would you like it endowed with artificial intelligence so that it could think at some level? Explain your preference.

Essay Topic 2

It is immediately apparent that there is a conflict between human beings and robots. Discuss one of the following:

1. Trace and analyze the theme of man versus robots. How is this theme explored through the plot? Why do you think Asimov explores this theme so deeply?

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 Naked Sun is justified? Explain fully.

Essay Topic 3

The time this novel takes place about a millennium in the future. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think technology in "real life" will have advanced as far as it has in The Naked Sun in 1000 years? Do you think it will have advanced further? Explain thoroughly with examples.

2. What do you think are the difficulties of creating a setting far into the future? What are the advantages?

3. Many science fiction novels written in the early 20th century actually "predicts" some technology that is commonplace during the first decade of the 21st century. Research some early science fiction novels and discuss how much of the "pretend" technology is actually "real" now. How you think Napoleon Hill's belief that "what man can conceive and believe, man can achieve" can explain how technology in early science fiction is now a reality?

(see the answer keys)

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