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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. Where had Olivia gone with friends in the summer of 1979?

2. Penelope remembers what life was like when she was ______________.

3. Who are Doris' sons?

4. Who is Penelope's father?

5. What news does Olivia share with Noel?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. What is the flashback Penelope has to when she was nineteen?

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

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

7. How is Noel like his sister, Nancy?

8. How does Penelope meet Ambrose Keeling?

9. What prompts Penelope to volunteer during the war?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The frustration of unfulfilled affection touches several characters in the story. Name at least two characters who experience unfulfilled love and the situations that occur as a result.

Essay Topic 2

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

Essay Topic 3

Greed is an important theme in THE SHELL SEEKERS. Can you cite an example to support this theme? Name two other themes and cite examples to support your answer.

(see the answer keys)

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