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. What does Sophie feel about life in Porthkerris?

2. About what do Nancy and Noel confront Penelope during the weekend?

3. Who arranges Penelope's funeral?

4. Whose husband dies in this chapter?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the relationship between Antonia and Danus mirror that of Penelope and Richard's?

2. Why does Penelope feel compelled to contact Boothby's without notifying her children?

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

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

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

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

7. Why does Penelope have such a fitful night after her appointment in London?

8. What is revealed about the mysterious appointment Penelope had in London on the day before her death?

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

10. Describe Penelope's dismal existence during the Summer of 1943.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The author uses more than one instance of irony in the book. Cite at least two other examples you can identify in the book and note why they are examples of irony.

Essay Topic 2

Project into the future ten years after the end of the novel and write a brief synopsis for Olivia's life. Will her career still be such a powerful presence in her life? Does she have a significant other in her life? What role does Olivia play in Antonia and Danus' lives?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 972 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample