58 pages 1 hour read

Isaac Asimov

The Caves of Steel

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1953

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Chapters 16-18Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 16 Summary: “Questions Concerning a Motive”

Lije and Daneel march Clousarr ahead as they make their way through the yeast factory. Clousarr stops and smacks Daneel across the face. Daneel makes no move to stop him; he only expresses concern for Clousarr’s possible injury to his hand. The trio enters the squad car and heads back to the station. Clousarr reiterates his concern for his children’s ability to find work if robots continue to take jobs. Daneel says, “A training school for emigrants would involve security, guaranteed classification, an assured career. If you are concerned over your children, that is something to consider” (225). Clousarr does not counter but remains silent for the remainder of the journey to Lije’s office.

As they ride the escalator up to Lije’s office, Daneel states that Clousarr’s cerebral qualities have changed. Clousarr hit Daneel to assert his superiority and release his aggressive feelings. They reach the office and find Commissioner Enderby in distress, appearing weak as he wipes the sweat from his forehead. The Commissioner continues to rant at what a mess the situation has become. Dr. Gerrigel is also there and gives evidence that R. Sammy’s destruction was not accidental. When found, the robot was holding an alpha-sprayer. R. Sammy held it to his head and sprayed, releasing radiation, and causing positronic brain fry.

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