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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. Why is Noel interested in Amabel?

2. Who phones Olivia to say she is coming to England for a visit?

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

4. Who is the girlfriend of the man in #25?

5. Who is Olivia and Nancy's brother?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the author show the respectful relationship between Olivia and Penelope?

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

3. Who is Danus Muirfield?

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

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

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

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

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

9. What prompts Penelope to volunteer during the war?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Greed seems to be almost an unnamed character in the book. How pervasive is the sense of greed? Why does it have such a prevalent place in the lives of Noel and Nancy? Explain how an inanimate object or characteristic can be a character.

Essay Topic 3

What are the primary settings for the novel? Be sure to include geography, time period and any pertinent popular culture events. Why did Pilcher choose to use these places in the novel?

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This section contains 978 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample