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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 Jan Rodricks observe that he also saw on the aliens' home planet?
2. Why do the invaders need to watch George Greggson's and Jean Morrel's children?
3. What is Jean Morrel shocked to find in her new home?
4. What does Jan Rodricks come to realize after his return to Earth from the aliens' planet?
5. What is the effect of the drug Jan Rodricks injects himself with?
Short Essay Questions
1. Describe Jan Rodricks' activities during his stay on Carina. How does he feel about his visit?
2. What happens at the council meeting between the leaders of New Athens and the Overlord "Inspector," Thanthalteresco? How does Thanthalteresco respond to Dr. Sen's comments?
3. Describe the response and mindset of the people of New Athens after the children are evacuated.
4. Why are people worldwide grieving after George Greggson and Jean Morrel's children begin to change?
5. What is significant about the results of the tsunami on George Greggson's family?
6. In his radio address in Chapter 20, what does Karellen explain is his reason for occupying the planet?
7. Explain George Greggson's observations and feelings at the beginning of Chapter 21.
8. Why is Karellen sad at the end of the novel?
9. During the press conference at which Karellen says that Jan Rodricks has stowed away on the Overlords' spaceship, what part of Karellen's nature does he reveal?
10. What does Jan Rodricks observe after the Overlords depart and leave him as the last person on Earth, and what does he wonder about the Overlords and his role at the end?
Essay Topics
Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:
Essay Topic 1
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 2
The supernatural seems to intrude on the natural during the seance held at Rupert Boyce's home. While "Childhood's End" is a work of science fiction, identify two or three events that might seem better suited to a work of fantasy or supernatural fiction. Why did Clarke interject these events into what most would consider "hard" science fiction? Discuss whether Clarke using this fictional convention helps or hinders the overall theme of the book.
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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This section contains 990 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) |
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