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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 sound does Penelope hear right before she dies?

2. Who is Antonia in love with?

3. What does Lawrence notice about Sophie?

4. What is Nancy's demeanor when Penelope calls her from Porthkarris?

5. Who joins Penelope at the location in #135?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the nature of the letter Olivia finds in her mother's room and what does Olivia do with it?

2. How do Nancy and Noel react to news of Penelope's death?

3. How does Penelope meet Richard Lomax?

4. What does Penelope decide to do with the unfinished Lawrence Stern paintings?

5. Why is Olivia's support critical to Antonia and Danus' future?

6. What impact does Sophie's death have on her family?

7. What does Penelope do when she learns from Mr. Brookner that the paintings have sold?

8. Where is the painting, The Shell Seekers, now hanging?

9. Who is Roy Brookner?

10. What reason does Danus give Penelope for why he is returning to Edinburgh?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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

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.

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This section contains 956 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample