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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. With what alliteration does Melville describe the islands?

2. Why doesn't the narrator dismiss Bartleby for insubordination?

3. Why is the narrator not pleased with Bartleby's industriousness?

4. What surprises the narrator when he goes to his office on a Sunday?

5. How does Melville describe pelicans?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Melville call Redondo the "aviary of the ocean"?

2. What does the captain decide to do with Steelkilt and those who followed him in insubordination?

3. What are Turkey's shortcomings as a scrivener?

4. Why does the narrator say that pity turns into repulsion?

5. What do the sailors in "The Encantadas" do with tortoises?

6. What does the narrator say happens to one in command who discovers a subordinate who is "significantly his superior"?

7. What does Steelkilt demand to prevent a mutiny?

8. What skills are necessary for a scrivener?

9. What did Steelkilt's followers decide to do upon their release?

10. What purpose does the circle of listeners serve in "The Town-Ho's Story"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Several of the stories in this collection deal with relationships between men and women. Using at least two stories as a basis, evaluate Melville's understanding of the status of women in his society and culture. Did he agree with, condemn, or remain neutral about the rights of women?

Essay Topic 2

An allegory is a story that is in itself a symbol or represents an idea. Select one of Melville's allegories, such as "The Piazza" or "The Bell Tower" to analyze in terms of its symbolic significance.

Essay Topic 3

Melville uses brief sketches to address large issues of social justice. Select two of the stories that work together, such as "The Paradise of Bachelors" and "The Tartarus of Maids," or "The Two Temples," to analyze the social issues addressed in those comparisons.

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