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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 3 and 4.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does the narrator's middle-aged employee offer to do for Bartleby?
(a) Black his eyes.
(b) Fire him.
(c) Teach him better work habits.
(d) Teach him manners.

2. What animal does Melville claim is not at home at sea, on land, or in the air?
(a) The walrus.
(b) The cormorant.
(c) The penguin.
(d) The bat.

3. What does Melville say is the most populous species on the island of Albermarle?
(a) Lizards.
(b) Snakes.
(c) Spiders.
(d) People.

4. What object does the lookout spot that takes Melville's ship to Norfolk Isle?
(a) A handkerchief.
(b) A white bird.
(c) An American flag.
(d) A burning fire.

5. To what sight in the city does Melville compare the islands of the Encantadas?
(a) A pile of rocks.
(b) A pile of cinders.
(c) A pile of trash.
(d) A pile of leaves.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the first thing Bartleby says he would prefer not to do?

2. What benefit does the narrator get from his indulgence of Bartleby's eccentricities?

3. How does Bartleby respond to the other employees?

4. What famous person expressed a good opinion of the narrator of Bartleby?

5. What makes Moby Dick an unusual whale?

(see the answer key)

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