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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. Penelope picks up cans of ____________ which have washed up on the shore at Porthkerris.

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

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

4. How do Richard and Penelope register when they go away for a week together?

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. How does Richard stand in stark contrast to Ambrose?

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

6. How does Penelope meet Richard Lomax?

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

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

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

10. Why does Penelope's dream of marrying Richard not come true?

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

The author uses more than one iteration on the theme of disappointment. Identify at least two characters who either embody or experience disappointment then cite an example to support your answers.

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,008 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample