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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. At the end of 13-15, why does Arcadia believe that the Lieutenant let her go on purpose?

2. Who is Stettin talking to when first introduced in 10-12?

3. In 10-12, why will Homir's motives in going to Kalgan be less suspicious?

4. How does Arcadia tell Palver her secret message?

5. What is Dr. Darell doing at the beginning of 10-12?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Arcadia convince Palver to go to the Foundation and deliver a message for her?

2. How has Kalgan changed since the Mule's death?

3. How does Dr. Darell soothe Anthor's worries about Arcadia's disappearance?

4. Why does Dr. Darell think that his daughter is dead?

5. Why does Dr. Darrell consider the Second Foundation an enemy? What made him realize this?

6. What does Callia do for Arcadia in her private chamber? What does Arcadia see as Callia flees the room?

7. In 10-12, how does Arcadia persuade Homir not to turn around to drop her off at home?

8. Why is Arcadia so excited to meet Lady Callia?

9. What is appealing to Stettin about Arcadia's heritage? What does Stettin want Arcadia to become for him?

10. In 16-18, what does Dr. Darell want from Seimic? What is Seimic's response?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

With family members, political rulers and even one's own mind being controlled by powerful forces, paranoia plays a powerful role in the novel. Respond to the following with supporting details from "Second Foundation."

1) In what ways does the character of Pritcher exhibit extreme paranoia?

2) What are the reasons that the characters in the book are paranoid? Does the author validate these reasons by the end of the novel?

3) How does the author use a reader's real life concern about mind control to underscore the paranoia in the book?

Essay Topic 2

The author was decidedly involved in education and academics and this real life influence is clearly represented throughout the novel. Respond to the following with supporting evidence from the book:

1) How did Asimov's life in education influence the book?

2) How do characters involved in academics, such as Homir and Seimic influence the events of the novel?

3) What is Asimov saying about the importance of education by having highly educated characters as the leaders of a rebellious group trying to overthrow a dominant organization?

Essay Topic 3

Asimov is a leading author in the literary genre of science fiction and his novel "Second Foundation" is an example of his work that fits into this category. Respond to the following with supporting examples from the story:

1) How does the setting of the novel reflect elements of science fiction?

2) How does the technology featured in the novel reflect attributes of science fiction?

3) In what ways does science fiction allow Asimov to write about events featured in "Second Foundation"?

(see the answer keys)

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