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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 apology does Ishmael make about whalers?

2. Which boat from the Pequod is the first to harpoon a whale?

3. After the first whaling experience, what does Ishmael decide to do?

4. Who are Peleg and Bildad?

5. Who is the chaplain of the whaler's place of worship?

Short Essay Questions

1. How complicated is the process of harvesting the whale blubber?

2. How does Ahab express his mission on this trip of the Pequod?

3. Explain the importance of Chapters 45 and 46 in understanding the enemy Captain Ahab is up against.

4. What ominous encounter do Ishmael and Queequeg have after they have signed onto the Pequod?

5. Under what circumstances do Peleg and Bildad leave the Pequod?

6. How does Queequeg determine which of them will select the whaling ship they take for their whaling adventure?

7. At what point does Ishmael go into a discussion about whales in general.

8. Describe the behavior of the mates dining in the captain's cabin as they torment the cook who serves their meal.

9. What is the function of Charity, Bildad's sister, in the preparations for the Pequod's journey?

10. Describe how Ishmael becomes uneasy about Captain Ahab.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay of at least two typed, double-spaced pages on the beauty of whales in their natural habitat. Include such things as how they jump out of the water, the impressive look of their spouts, the way they utilize their tails, how graceful they are for such large creatures, and modern recordings of whale songs.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay of at least two typed, double-spaced pages on people who take dangerous occupations. In Melville's day, perhaps whaling the most dangerous occupation in the world. Compare that to some dangerous occupations today. Conclude with whether you would ever undertake a really dangerous job.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay of at least two typed, double-spaced pages on Fearing the Unknown. Using the example of Ishmael's initial reaction to Queequeg, demonstrate in your essay how people tend to fear what is new or unexplained. Note how as Ishmael begins to learn Queequeg's ways, he becomes less fearful and soon they bond as friends. End your essay with a statement about how eliminating prejudicial fear would make the world a better place.

(see the answer keys)

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