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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 is Penelope's father?

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

3. Why is Noel interested in Amabel?

4. What does Nancy tell Olivia that their mother needs?

5. Who are Doris' sons?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Noel like his sister, Nancy?

2. How does Penelope meet Ambrose Keeling?

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

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

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

6. What importance do Noel and Nancy place on the Lawrence Stern paintings?

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

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 flashback Penelope has to when she was nineteen?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast Ambrose and Robert. Both men want influence over Penelope but have their hold on her in very different ways. Why are their differences classic examples of conflict in literature? What other similarities and dissimilarities are there between the two characters?

Essay Topic 2

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.

Essay Topic 3

Does Pilcher end the story on a note of hope for Olivia or the continuance of her struggle to come to terms with her flawed relationship with her siblings? Give your perspective and two reasons to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 996 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample