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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. What is Nickerson's response to the captain's approach in introducing himself to the crew?

2. Which of the following is not included in the list of troubles that the bad weather causes for the Essex in Chapter 4?

3. What is causing the thirst of the men on Chase's boat to become even worse in Chapter 7?

4. Which of the following is not included in the list of supplies that are loaded onto the Essex as it prepares for the journey in Chapter 1?

5. What causes Chase's boat to get a hole in it as they approach another whale on November 20?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the crew initially respond to the sinking of the Essex?

2. What happens when the Essex meets the Aurora?

3. How is a whale killed by sailors?

4. How does the crew of the Essex deal with the second whale sighted in Chapter 3, and what is a Nantucket sleigh ride?

5. What happens when the first whale of the trip is sighted?

6. What setbacks are the three boats having as they approach the Society Islands at the end of Chapter 7?

7. As explained in Chapter 2, what route does a Nantucket whale ship normally take?

8. How does Philbrick describe Pollard and his experience in Chapter 2?

9. What is the process for "trying out" a whale?

10. How are the three whale boats divided and stocked for the trip at the end of Chapter 6?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain in detail how Pollard's and Chase's boats are rescued in different areas and the varying routes that the crew members take back to Nantucket. Also, include a description of how the three men are rescued on Henderson Island, the difficulties with the rescue, and the unknown status of the third whale boat from the Essex.

Essay Topic 2

Henderson Island is a key point in the crew's effort to make it to South America.

1) Explain what leads the crew to Henderson Island and why they are confused about the island's identity.

2) Describe the crew's time on the island and the important things that they discover there.

3) Analyze the decision made by three crew members to remain of the island in comparison to the decision made by the majority of the crew to leave.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast the lives of Pollard and Chase, their experiences before and after sailing on the Essex, their leadership styles, and how they are remembered.

(see the answer keys)

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