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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 did buccaneers leave on the islands that Melville claims is proof of their better traits?

2. Who takes possession as the sole ruler of St. Charles Isle?

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

4. How much does the uncle in "The Happy Failure" think his invention is worth?

5. What office does the narrator of Bartleby hold that no longer exists?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How is the accuracy of copy verified by scriveners?

3. How does the poet Blandmour feel about poverty in "Poor Man's Pudding"?

4. What skills are necessary for a scrivener?

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

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

7. Why is the direct route for an ocean voyage not always the fastest or best, according to Melville in "The Encantadas"?

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

9. How does the narrator respond the first time Bartleby answers a request with, "I would prefer not to"?

10. What stylistic devices does Melville use to give the reader the feeling of the rooster's crow in "Cock-a-Doodle-Doo"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Melville is very fond of alliteration, such as " . . . mending rotten rail fences with their own rotten rails . . ." which is an incidence of "incipient idiocy." Find instances of this use of language and evaluate its effectiveness for you as a reader.

Essay Topic 2

One recurring theme in Melville's stories is the fate of an innocent man in the grip of malice he does not comprehend. Compare two such protagonists, such as Steelkilt and Billy Budd.

Essay Topic 3

Melville often uses a distinctive double negative in description. For example, Captain Delano is described as "undistrustful." Later, he is said to be "not unbewildered," and "not uninfluenced." What is to be gained by using these terms instead of "trusting," "bewildered," and "influenced"? Is there a difference between being undistrustful and trusting? If so, what is it? Find other examples of this peculiarity and analyze its use.

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