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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 the conversation like at breakfast in the Spouter Inn?

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

3. How does Ishmael describe the possibility of mutiny on a whale ship?

4. What does Ishmael say whale ship crew members often do with the bones of whales?

5. What is the speculation about Ahab's knowledge of the stowaways?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the appropriate text Father Maple uses in his sermon to the whalers in New Bedford.

2. What is the surprise the men of the Pequod get when they spot their first whale and begin to lower the boats?

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

4. What is the amusing account of Queequeg and the wheelbarrow?

5. Describe how Ishmael becomes uneasy about Captain Ahab.

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

7. Explain the startling thing that Ishmael learns about his friend, Queequeg.

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

9. Explain why Ishmael decides to book himself on a whaling ship.

10. Why does Ishmael soon lose his astonishment over Queequeg in New Bedford?

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 comparing the character Bildad in MOBY DICK to the Bildad in the book of Job who God said darkened counsel without knowledge. Point out dialog of Bildad that shows his limited understanding of the real world.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay of at least two typed, double-spaced pages on understanding other cultures. Begin with Ishmael's initial fear of Queequeg. Note how Queequeg did not seem so strange after Ishmael sees many other ethnic people on the streets of New Bedford. Discuss how Queequeg begins to see Ishmael as his brother. Finish with how religious prejudice like Bildad's tends to resist inter-cultural understanding.

Essay Topic 3

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.

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