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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. Nancy reads an article about a painting created by ____________________.

2. What name does Ambrose's mother want Penelope to call her after the wedding?

3. Where is Penelope returning from as she rides in a taxi at the beginning of the novel?

4. Which of Lawrence Stern's paintings is Noel particularly interested in?

5. For how long are the man in #25 and his girlfriend going away in Chapter 4?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How does the author use foreshadowing by introducing Antonia into Olivia and Penelope's lives?

4. Who is Danus Muirfield?

5. What is life like for Penelope's daughter, Nancy?

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

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

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

9. What is the tone of the relationship between Ambrose and Penelope?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

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

What is the significance of the book's title? What are some other possible titles for the book. List at least five and cite your reasons for each.

(see the answer keys)

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