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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 2.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In 1810, how many women over the age of twenty- three are widowed?
(a) Almost a quarter.
(b) Almost half.
(c) Over half.
(d) Over a quarter.

2. How long does the average hunt for a sperm whale take?
(a) Six months to a year.
(b) Two to three years.
(c) One to two years.
(d) One to two months.

3. Out of twenty men who witnessed the sinking of the Essex, how many total men survived?
(a) Ten.
(b) Two.
(c) Eighteen.
(d) Eight.

4. How many masts does the Essex have as it sets sail in Chapter 2?
(a) Three.
(b) Five.
(c) Four.
(d) Two.

5. How many miles does it take the crew to set and trim the sails of the Essex?
(a) Less than nine.
(b) More than eleven.
(c) More than nine.
(d) More than ten.

Short Answer Questions

1. What shape are the sails of the Essex?

2. As described in Chapter 1, what does the sighting of a comet indicate?

3. What is Nickerson's response to the captain's approach in introducing himself to the crew?

4. Compared to the other seventy Nantucket whale ships, how is the Essex considered?

5. How much can sperm whales weigh?

(see the answer key)

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