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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. What is Doris' last name?

2. What news does Penelope recall hearing while on this holiday?

3. Who is Nancy's husband?

4. Why is Noel interested in Amabel?

5. How long has Cosmo been living in the villa?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Doris Potter and how does she enter into the lives of Penelope's family?

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

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

4. What is Nancy's relationship with Penelope?

5. What prompts Penelope to volunteer during the war?

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

7. How important is independence in Olivia's life?

8. Why does Noel exhibit such callous behavior toward his mother?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The frustration of unfulfilled affection touches several characters in the story. Name at least two characters who experience unfulfilled love and the situations that occur as a result.

Essay Topic 2

Explain the ongoing conflict between Noel and Nancy and their mother. What are the main sources of the conflict? Why does it perpetuate? What does Penelope learn about the reality of her life with her children as opposed to the perceptions she has held for so long?

Essay Topic 3

Pilcher is a master at dramatic devices. Choose an example of symbolism, metaphors, and irony, briefly describe them and identify the technique which they embody.

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