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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 weapon is found in the house where the human is murdered?

2. What is the approximate population of Solaria?

3. What happens to the evidence in the murder case?

4. Why won't Olivaw open the top of the car?

5. How long does it take the robots to find Gladia after she faints?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Gladia say about the murder of her husband?

2. Why does Daneel believe Gladia is naked while first "viewing" with Elijah?

3. What does Albert reply to Baley's reluctance to accept the assignment?

4. What is Elijah's attitude towards robots and what is the exception?

5. What is Baley's response to his orders?

6. Why do the authorities believe Gladia did not kill her husband and what does Gladia say when Elijah asks her if she did it?

7. What does Daneel tell Elijah about Solaria, and what is Elijah's response?

8. What does Gladia tell Elijah about her relationship with her husband?

9. Where is Elijah Baley at the opening of the novel and about what is he thinking?

10. Describe Gladia Delmarre.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

There are a number of interesting questions raised by The Naked Sun--questions that most likely Asimov wanted the readers to consider and think through carefully. Discuss the following:

1. Name one idea/concept you think may have been a part of the author's agenda. Analyze that idea throughout the book and discuss Asimov's probable agenda concerning that idea.

2. Do you think writers who have an agenda for writing should point it out in a preface?

3. How often do you think fiction is written with a clear agenda in mind by the author?

Essay Topic 2

Many readers of fiction place themselves in the position of one character, wondering if they would do the same thing as that character. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think one of the values of literature is to serve as a reflection of oneself? Why or why not?

2. Socrates said "Know thyself." How can reading a book such as The Naked Sun help a reader to know him/herself? Do you find yourself reflecting on your own character and abilities when reading The Naked Sun? Why or why not.

3. Choose one specific incident in The Naked Sun to discuss and compare Elijah's response to how you think you would respond.

Essay Topic 3

Lije questions why robots need to appear in the form of human likeness, why not another machine? He also wonders why the authorities are wanting those on Solaria to think R. Daneel is a human being. Discuss the following:

1. Do you think the human form is the most generalized form in all of nature? Why or why not?

2. Do you think the human form is more economical and efficient for robots? Why or why not.

3. Even if the human form is more economical and efficient, why do you think R. Daneel is anatomically correct, even to his genitalia? Does that amount of exactitude serve a purpose? What would that be?

(see the answer keys)

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