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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 the note say that Poli gives Dr. Darell?

2. Dr. Darell wants Seimic to build him what?

3. In the beginning of 13-15, what does Arcadia try to manipulate Callia to do?

4. What does Callia say about how Stettin feels about the Mule's palace?

5. Why does Anthor disagree with Dr. Darell's viewpoint of Arcadia's note?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Why does Anthor try to convice Dr. Darell to go to Trantor?

4. Why is the Imperial Library an important place to Arcadia?

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

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

7. What is Callia's explanation for why no one is allowed to enter into the Mule's palace? Has Stettin entered the palace according to Callia?

8. Why is Anthor upset that Arcadia has disappeared?

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

10. What are Stettin's reasonings for going to war that he describes to Merius?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The tone of the novel has an important effect on a reader's reading experience. "Second Foundation" is solemn in its content and tone. Please respond to the following with supporting evidence from the book:

1) How does Asimov establish the serious tone of the novel from the beginning of the book?

2) What are the major themes of the book and how do these themes affect the tone of the story?

3) Does the serious tone of "Second Foundation" help to accentuate the way the reader perceives the story?

Essay Topic 2

Powerful forces in the fictional society of "Second Foundation" are able to influence and even control the minds of humans. Respond to the following with supporting evidence from the novel:

1) In the novel, what level of difficulty is the ability to control a person's mind? How easily influenced are people by the Mule or the Second Foundation?

2) How does the author portray that certainty a person can have about someone's mind being control? How about the certainty of a person's own mind being controlled?

3) What is the difference between the controlling powers of the Mule versus the powers of the Second Foundation?

Essay Topic 3

Arcadia Darell plays a pivotal role in the events of the novel, yet she is only a 14 year old girl. Please respond to the following with support from "Second Foundation."

1) What attributes does Asimov give Arcadia that represent adolescence in a positive way?

2) What attributes does Asimov give Arcadia that represent adolescence in a negative way?

3) What is Asimov saying about the ability of teenagers to influence society and their community as illustrated in the novel?

(see the answer keys)

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