View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In chapter 71, Una meets ____, Kit's old girlfriend.

2. Ahab shares which type of candy with the crew?

3. What is the name of the river that borders Una's family home?

4. What is Kit's last name?

5. In chapter 48, the Sussex heads toward which country?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. 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.

3. Ahab deals with Kit after his bout of dementia. What does Ahab do to try to keep Kit under control?

4. Examine Una's connection with the lighthouse. How long did it take before Una fully explored the structure? Una often equated the lighthouse to freedom. Explain Una's feelings toward the lighthouse.

5. How are foreshadowing and flashback used in this first section?

6. In chapter seventy-three, it becomes clear to Una that Kit is not going to improve. Discuss some of Kit's actions. What is Una's reaction?

7. Examine the scene in which Una becomes temporarily blinded.

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

9. Una continues to be troubled by her relationship with Kit. Explain Una wandering around in the dark.

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Frannie becomes dedicated to the anti-slavery movement and goes to work with Frederick Douglass. What does Frannie do for Douglass? What type of work would best suit Frannie? What prompts Frannie to want to work for Douglass? What most affected Frannie in regards to anti-slavery and racial equality? What types of contributions might Frannie make in her new job?

Essay Topic 3

Assuming a psychiatrist's point of view, analyze the situation with Kit. Discuss Kit's history and how it might affect possible psychiatric care. What would a psychiatrist say about Kit's mental breakdown? What might a doctor say about Kit's attachment to Giles? Was Kit suffering from dementia, mental illness or something else? What would the terminology be from a psychiatrist's point of view? What kind of treatment might Kit have benefited from before the situation got out of hand? Is the behavior something that can be "cured?" If so, how? If not, what else can be done?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,149 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample