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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. Who greets Channis and Pritcher at the end of 1-3?

2. What is Arcadia's reaction when the mysterious man wants to come inside her home?

3. Why does the Mule say that Channis will be less likely to be detected by the Second Foundation?

4. How does the Mule react when he learns he has been outwitted?

5. How does Pritcher remember his past as described in 1-3?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the opening of "Second Foundation" help the reader understand events that have occurred earlier in the trilogy?

2. In 1-3, what reason does the Mule give Channis about his assurance that the mythical Second Foundation really exists?

3. Who is the leader of the Galaxy and how did this leader rise to power?

4. Why does Anthor want everyone at the meeting in 7-9 to get their brains scanned?

5. How does Channis describe the planet that is likely to be home to the Second Foundation?

6. Why does Dr. Darell scold Arcadia when he enters her room at the beginning of 7-9?

7. Toward the end of 1-3, what does the technician find in the ship and what is Channis' response?

8. How do the Rossem elders react to the arrival of Pritchard and Channis?

9. What difference in time do the events in 7-9 take place after 4-6 and how is this shown by the characters?

10. What is the history of Han Pritcher and how does this character remember his past?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Isaac Asimov has had substantial influence in the modern world due to his widely known written works of both nonfiction and fiction. Please respond to the following with supporting facts:

1) How did Asimov's childhood influence his career choice?

2) How did Asimov's career as a science professor influence his choice to write science fiction?

3) What examples of Asimov's beliefs are evident in "Second Foundation"?

Essay Topic 2

The author emphasizes individuality through writing about characters' personal choices influencing the events of the book. Respond to the following with supporting references to examples in the novel:

1) How do several characters throughout the story display their own individuality? How does Channis? How does Palver?

2) The character of Pritcher has his mind controlled by the Mule - how does Asimov portray his individuality?

3) What issues in the novel repress individuality? Are these things presented in a positive or negative way?

Essay Topic 3

The literary tool of satire is employed by the author throughout the novel, using vile dictators and smug warlords for starters. Respond to the following with supporting evidence from the novel:

1) In what ways does Asimov satire governments in "Second Foundation"?

2) How does the author lampoon dictators who lust for power through the rule and downfall of the Mule?

3) What aspect of the novel's satire illustrates the author's view on his political climate?

(see the answer keys)

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