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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 does a group of Americans arrive in Porthkerris?

2. What does Olivia do with what she finds in her mother's room?

3. Who did Doris marry after the war?

4. Where did Penelope go the day before she died?

5. Who else is killed along with Sophie?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Who is Roy Brookner?

3. Why does Danus feel that he must have his medical exams at this point in his life?

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

5. How does Penelope meet Richard Lomax?

6. Describe the encounter between Noel and Penelope upon Penelope's return from Porthkerris.

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

8. Explain how Penelope's trip to Porthkerris provides closure to her life.

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast Ambrose and Robert. Both men want influence over Penelope but have their hold on her in very different ways. Why are their differences classic examples of conflict in literature? What other similarities and dissimilarities are there between the two characters?

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

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?

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