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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. Who was Ambrose?

2. Who is Penelope expecting after she awakens this morning?

3. Where does Penelope ask Olivia to go with her on a little trip?

4. How does Olivia treat her mother?

5. Who is Nancy's grandmother?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are some of the major differences between Olivia and Nancy?

2. What is the story of Penelope's parents' relationship?

3. How does the author reveal which one of Penelope's children is closest to her?

4. What is the nature of Antonia's phone call to Olivia and how does it change Olivia's plans with Hank?

5. Describe the pretentious lifestyle that Nancy and her husband have.

6. How is Olivia's view of the Lawrence Stern paintings different from how Olivia views them?

7. Why is Antonia's stay with Penelope mutually beneficial?

8. Which sister--Olivia or Nancy--is the one who is able to get things accomplished?

9. Why is volunteer work during the war not a good choice for Penelope?

10. What is the irony of Olivia's life as opposed to those of her brother and sister?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Create a character study of Penelope. What are her physical characteristics? What are her motivations? What are her fears? What are her dreams? What else can you say about Penelope?

Essay Topic 2

Explain the role of women in England in the mid- to late-20th century when the women in the novel are living their lives. What precedents do they feel compelled to follow? What restrictions do they have? What freedoms did they have that 21st century women do not have?

Essay Topic 3

Greed is an important theme in THE SHELL SEEKERS. Can you cite an example to support this theme? Name two other themes and cite examples to support your answer.

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This section contains 961 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample