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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. What does Chapter 5 introduce?

2. What is true about Earth in the 21st century?

3. What is the result of people working less?

4. What is Rikki Stormgren able to accomplish on the aliens' ship with the device he carries on board?

5. In what city does Chapter 2 begin?

Short Essay Questions

1. What frustrations does Jan Rodricks voice to his sister, Maia? Explain how he plans to deal with those frustrations.

2. Who are the Overlords, and where are they found at the beginning of Chapter 2?

3. How are George Greggson and Jean Morrel introduced in Chapter 7?

4. How do the Overlords intimidate humans with a ruse?

5. What does Jan Rodricks learn from his research in star catalogs, and what is the significance of his discovery?

6. Why are professional sports almost obsolete in 2050?

7. What is Karellen's philosophy about world order that he shares with Rikki Stormgren?

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

9. What game does Rupert Boyce play with his remaining guests, and why?

10. Why are the journalists and spectators waiting in anticipation at the beginning of Chapter 5?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Religion vs. science is a dominant theme in "Childhood's End." Consider Karellen's desire not to be involved in spiritual matters. Explain why this is a standard he holds. Karellen donates an apparatus to the World History Foundation that shows footage of the past 5,000 years. In spite of the fact that he doesn't want to interfere in spiritual matters, the device dispels many religious views. Discuss and explain why Karellen chose to do this.

Essay Topic 2

The Overlords have clearly stated that the stars are not meant for man. In light of the whole novel, discuss whether or not the Overlords' statement is a valid one. Discuss, from the viewpoint of the Overlords, their rationale in wanting humans to remain earthbound.

Essay Topic 3

One goal of the Overlords is the establishment of a World Federation. Compare and contrast the concept of a World Federation to our current system of self-governing nations. Taking a look at both sides of the argument, choose which ideology seems the most reasonable, and justify that ideology. Explain whether or not insurrection against an established ideology is justified or not, using the Freedom League's opposition to the Overlords as a starting point.

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