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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 is the Overmind?
2. Why do the invaders need to watch George Greggson's and Jean Morrel's children?
3. What alarms Jan Rodricks when he returns to Earth?
4. What does the device Karellen employs in the pressroom do?
5. What does Jan Rodricks come to realize after his return to Earth from the aliens' planet?
Short Essay Questions
1. What events are foreshadowed when the Inspector shares his report with Karellen after meeting with the New Athens council?
2. According to Karellen, why did the Overlords build Utopia, and what is his desire for mankind?
3. What is significant about the results of the tsunami on George Greggson's family?
4. What does Karellen tell Professor Sullivan about the whale display upon seeing it for the first time, and what is the significance of what he says ?
5. Why do George Greggson and Jean Morrel move to New Athens? Describe their adjustment to their new home.
6. What is ironic about Jan Rodricks' return to Earth?
7. How does Jan Rodricks respond when approaching Earth on his return, and why?
8. Describe the response and mindset of the people of New Athens after the children are evacuated.
9. Explain the nature of Jeffrey Greggson's dreams as revealed in Chapter 18 and how the Overlords evaluate what is happening to him.
10. Explain George Greggson's observations and feelings at the beginning of Chapter 21.
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
The Overlord "inspector," Thanthalteresco, is sent to observe activities on New Athens. Thanthalteresco, along with Karellen and Rashaverak, become the central Overlord characters of the novel, each with distinctive roles. Compare and contrast the work and relationships of these three Overlords with humans, noting their unique roles. Thanthalteresco seems especially interested in George Greggson's son, Jeffrey. Describe the relationship, emphasizing its positive or negative aspects. Karellen's attitude toward humans seems to change over the course of the novel. Describe that attitude, and explain why it may have changed entirely during the arc of the story.
Essay Topic 2
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.
Essay Topic 3
"Childhood's End" was written by Arthur C. Clarke well before mankind actually began space exploration. Imagine that Clarke were writing the book in 2009. Describe what differences might be found in the plot of the book, what impact current technology might have in the writing of the book, and how the current world condition might impact the book. Select pivotal plot points from the book and describe how those points might be different should the book have been written this year.
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This section contains 1,035 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) |
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