ENG 335: SF as Social Criticism Spring 2015 Examination #2 [150 Points]

Your second examination will consist of three parts: a short answer question asking you to compare “Helen O’Loy” and “Algorithms for Love,” an essay on The Sparrow, and an essay on The Caves of Steel.The specific format of each section of the examination follows. You receive 5 points for attending, signing your name, and submitting your preparation work. I will deduct all these points if you submit no preparation materials or reduce the points if the preparation is inadequate.

Part I: Short Answer Question on “Helen O’Loy” and “Algorithms for Love” [25 points].

I will ask you a particular comparison/contrast question about the two short stories. This is the part of the examination that you must prepare without seeing the question in advance.

Part II. Essay #1 on The Sparrow [60 Points]

Respond to ONE of the following issues. In either case, begin your response with a thesis paragraph that introduces the novel and its author and presents your answer to the question in the form of a thesis statement. Then defend your position in the following paragraphs by discussing specific moments in the novel that illustrate your points:

  1. Write a short essay that demonstrates your understanding of the novel’s address to the concept of Casuistical [context-based] reasoning by discussing how a single character’s thoughts and behaviors demonstrate Russell’s emphasis on context-based reasoning. To what extent does the conflict between simple binary and case-based reasoning govern the actions and the statements of this character?
  1. Write a short essay in which you discuss the function in the novel of one of the following characters. The term, "function," may be interpreted rather loosely here. How does the character help to develop a principal thematic concern or conflict in the novel? Or how does the character help us to understand a philosophical position being promoted by Russell through her novel? Or how does the character help us to understand the nature and resolution of Father Emilio Sandoz's spiritual crisis. Or how does the character help us to understand a point of social criticism being developed by Russell through her novel?

Sofia Mendez

Johannes Voelker

Anne Edwards

Felipe Reyes

HlavinKitheri

SupaariVaGayjur

For this essay response, you must bring a typed, double-spaced preparation sheet [1/2 page] in which you state your thesis and outline your response. Use either Times New Roman or a Cambria 12 font. The statement must have your name on it, for it will be submitted with your answer.

Part III. Essay #2 on The Caves of Steel [60 Points]

Write an essay in which you discuss whether or not R. DaneelOlivaw, by the end of the novel, develops the ability to understand abstract concepts. Begin your response with a thesis paragraph that introduces the novel and its author and presents your answer to the question in the form of a thesis statement.Then defend your position in the following paragraphs by discussing specific moments in the novel where Olivaw evidences his ability or inability to grasp abstract concepts. Of course, you will ultimately be discussing whether or not Olivaw is a static or dynamic character.

Again, you must bring a typed, double-spaced preparation sheet [1/2 page] in which you state your thesis and outline your response. Use either Times New Roman or a Cambria 12 font. The statement must have your name on it, for it will be submitted with your answer.

FOR BOTH OF YOUR PREPARATIONS SHEETS, USE THE TEMPLATE THAT I PROVIDE ON THE NEXT PAGE.

Name:______Essay:______