View a FREE sample

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. Which of Lawrence Stern's paintings is Noel particularly interested in?

3. What does Olivia ask Noel to do when he goes to Penelope's house?

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

5. What name does Ambrose's mother want Penelope to call her after the wedding?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is Ambrose's real interest in Penelope?

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

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

4. Who is Danus Muirfield?

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

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

7. Why do the Lawrence Stern paintings have such an impact on Noel and Nancy?

8. What is Nancy's relationship with Penelope?

9. What is the story of Penelope's parents' relationship?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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

Essay Topic 2

THE SHELL SEEKERS is a classic story of loss and renewal. What does that classification entail? Why does this novel fit into this category? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Explain the role of women in England in the mid- to late-20th century when the women in the novel are living their lives. What precedents do they feel compelled to follow? What restrictions do they have? What freedoms did they have that 21st century women do not have?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 921 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample