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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. How does Ulysses die?

2. Una does not wish to undertake which task?

3. Una talks about training which type of bird?

4. How many days do the families take to tour New Bedford?

5. Who tutors Chester?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who does Una marry? What is famous about Una's husband?

2. What job is given to Una by Ahab? Why is Una not concerned with potential dangers?

3. Describe Una's childhood and introduction to the sea.

4. Una and Kit discuss the steps they took in order to stay alive while out at sea. What does the pair discuss?

5. Una begins to think about her future on Nantucket. What are some of Una's thoughts?

6. Una spends a great deal of time with Chester. Examine the friendship between Una and Chester. Also examine some of Una's activities on board the Sussex.

7. Discuss Una's relationships with Giles and Kit. How does Una feel about the men?

8. Nantucket is an island that often depends on outside sources in order to function as an independent town/region. Explain how the area functions with limited supplies and resources.

9. The Pequod finally arrives in Nantucket. What is promised by Ahab? Describe the actions of Kit and Una upon arrival. What strange occurrence happens when Kit and Una spend the night together?

10. Explain the relationship between Giles and Chester. Who makes the arrangements? How does Una use the arrangement to her advantage?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Una married twice during the course of the story. When it was learned that Judge Lord wanted to marry Una, she realized that she was content being unmarried. Later Una met Ishmael and the pair lived together and had a child. Discuss in detail Una's multiple and somewhat complicated relationships. Was it common for a person to go from one marriage to the next? What might have happened if Kit had returned from out West? Do you think Una would have taken him back? Do you think Kit and Charlotte got married? Why do you think Una and Ishmael never married?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss Naslund's use of Nantucket for the setting in "Ahab's Wife, or, the Star-gazer: A Novel". Why do you think Naslund chose Nantucket? How accurate do you think the setting is in regards to the real location? What areas are most commonly referenced in the story? What other location might have worked as well, if not better, than Nantucket? What is unique about the setting? What regionalisms are exhibited by Una and the rest of the characters? Explain.

Essay Topic 3

Robben Avalon tells Una that he wants to be her best friend forever but that Judge Lord is his soul mate. The news upset Una. Why was Una upset at this confession? What did Avalon mean by "soul mates?" Discuss the relationship between Avalon and Lord before and after the fire that destroyed the town.

(see the answer keys)

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