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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 makes Penelope light-headed while in her garden?

2. Who does Penelope write to regarding her travel plans?

3. Who greets Penelope and Antonia when they return from Porthkerris?

4. What is the profession of the man in #105?

5. Who is the man who helps Penelope and Doris get by during the war?

Short Essay Questions

1. What are the unhappy implications of Penelope's marriage to Ambrose?

2. Under what circumstances does Doris become a permanent resident in the Stern household?

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

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

5. What are the circumstances of Sophie's death?

6. What does Penelope do on her last day in Porthkerris?

7. How does Olivia manage to silence Noel and Nancy's protests about Penelope's will?

8. Why is the relationship between Nancy and Penelope so difficult?

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the role of the family in THE SHELL SEEKERS. What does it mean for each of the main characters? How does the family evolve in its support or disregard of each other? How typical is this family to most British families living during the mid- to late-20th century?

Essay Topic 2

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 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.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,030 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample