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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. Where does the second half of Chapter 1 take place?

2. Who is the Assistant Commissioner for Nuclear Science of Russia?

3. Why are professional sports obsolete?

4. Who is the scientist responsible for the Russian space launch?

5. Where do Rikki Stormgren and Pierre Duval meet to discuss Stormgren's findings on board the alien ship?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Rikki Stormgren freed from the group that has kidnapped him?

2. Why does Karellen want two children to come inside the ship with him?

3. What does Alexander Wainwright believe the Overlords are waiting for before revealing themselves?

4. What does the arrival of the Overlords do to religion?

5. What is the difference between the Eastern media and Western media concerning the Overlords' rule?

6. Why are professional sports almost obsolete in 2050?

7. How does Rupert Boyce explain the presence of an Overlord, Rashaverak, at his party?

8. What does the use of machines do to Earth culture after the Overlords establish Utopia?

9. Who is Alexander Wainwright, and what is his role?

10. List at least two facts about each of Jan Rodricks' parents. How have his parents influenced who he is?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The last few chapters of "Childhood's End" are tinged with definite melancholy and a sense of loss. Discuss George Greggson and Jean Morrel's feelings as their two children seem to be slipping away. Discuss if this is akin to the grief someone would feel at the death of a loved one. Compare the sense of loss they feel with the emotions Karellen seems to be developing toward the end of the story. Are the two children really "lost"? Explain your answer.

Essay Topic 2

Karellen reveals himself in Chapter 5. He invites two children to join him on board his ship before he exits. Consider whether or not children have an inherent fear of the same things adults find frightening, or if fear is a learned response. Discuss the differences between what is frightening to a child and what is frightening to an adult. Describe Karellen's rationale in revealing himself in the fashion he does, based on what he has discerned about human nature.

Essay Topic 3

Professor Sullivan has prepared a squid and whale display for the Overlords to take back to their home planet. Describe the symbolism suggested by the whale and the squid as it amplifies the plot of the novel. Discuss why the story of Jonah and the whale is of interest to Karellen. Identify any elements of foreshadowing in Karellen's knowledge of the biblical story.

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