Characters
What does Hermia’s behavior at the beach tell you about her personality?
Hermia’s personality shows that she is picky, appearance-focused, and determined. She wants a shell that stands out.
Where does most of the story take place?
at the beach and in the nearby hills.
What does the word “ignored” mean in the sentence: “At first, she ignored the pain.”?
Ignored means refused to pay attention to something, in this case, her pain.
What does Hermia do when she first arrives at the beach?
When Hermia first arrives at the beach, she rejects many shells for being chipped, faded, or common.
What does Hermia mean when she says, “I want a shell that says something about me”?
The quote means Hermia wants a shell that reflects her personality and makes her feel unique.
How does Hermia change from the beginning of the story to the end?
Hermia changes from being self-centered and obsessed with her shell to becoming more thoughtful and willing to help others.
How does the setting of the beach help move the plot forward?
The beach setting is essential because it’s where the crabs go to change shells and where Hermia finds her new one.
What is the meaning of the word “struggled” as used when Henry tries to climb out of a hole?
Struggled means it was difficult, describing Henry trying to get out of a hole.
Why does Hermia choose a shell that is too big for her?
Hermia chooses a too-big shell because it matches exactly what she wanted in appearance, even though it didn’t fit.
What can you learn about Hermia from the quote, “They’d steal my shell if they could”?
Hermia saying "They'd steal my shell" shows her paranoia and pride—she thinks others envy her.
Why do the other hermit crabs start avoiding Hermia?
Other crabs avoid Hermia because she constantly brags about her shell and doesn't show interest in anyone else.
What details from the text tell you that the hermit crabs live in hills but travel to the beach?
The text says crabs return to their homes high in the hills, showing they don’t live at the beach year-round.
What does the word “unique” mean in the sentence: “But it’s so unique!” she exclaimed.?
Unique means one-of-a-kind or special, which shows how Hermia sees her shell.
What causes Hermia to live alone for a year?
She lives alone because the shell is too big, and she can’t walk back to the hills.
Why does Henry say, “If you say one more thing about that shell, I’m going to find another hill to live on”?
Henry’s quote shows he’s fed up with Hermia's self-centeredness and ready to leave if she doesn't change.
Describe Henry’s role in the story. How does he react to Hermia’s behavior?
Henry is Hermia’s friend who supports her at first but gets frustrated with her selfish behavior and eventually distances himself.
Why is the setting important to Hermia's journey?
The setting supports Hermia’s growth—she stays at the beach alone, giving her time to reflect and mature.
What does it mean if something is “worn smooth,” like Hermia’s shell at the end?
“Worn smooth” means used so much that the surface became flat or polished, showing the shell was no longer in good condition.
What important realization does Hermia have at the end of the story?
Hermia realizes that the shell she loved is now worn and not as special as she thought, and her obsession cost her relationships.
How does the quote “You’re all jealous!” show Hermia’s attitude toward others?
“You’re all jealous!” shows Hermia's defensiveness and refusal to admit she might be wrong.
What can you infer about Hermia’s relationships with other crabs based on how they treat her throughout the story?
Crabs treat Hermia with distance because she is more focused on her shell than on relationships, showing that her actions pushed others away.
If the story took place in an aquarium instead, how might the events have changed?
If it were in an aquarium, the crabs wouldn’t migrate, and Hermia wouldn’t have to wait alone or be tested in the same way.
Find a word in the story that means the same as “talked a lot.” What does it tell you about Hermia?
A word like “bragged” applies. It shows Hermia couldn’t stop talking about her shell, which annoyed others.
What happens when Hermia tries to leave her old shell at the end?
When she tries to leave the shell, it’s painful and hard, showing she held onto it for too long.
What does Hermia’s final quote—“Next summer I’m going to help the younger crabs find good homes”—reveal about how she has changed?
Her final quote shows she has matured and become more generous, shifting her focus from herself to helping others.