View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How long does the northwesterly breeze hold for before switching to the east-northeast in Chapter 10?
(a) One day.
(b) Four days.
(c) Two days.
(d) Three days.

2. On what day does Pollard reach St. Mary's Island?
(a) February 20.
(b) February 22.
(c) February 21.
(d) February 23.

3. Why is the arrival of Chase, Lawrence, and Nickerson in Nantucket unexpected in Chapter 13?
(a) The people there are not aware of their rescue.
(b) A rumor had been told that they refused to return home.
(c) They are scheduled to arrive one month later.
(d) They are scheduled to arrive on a different ship.

4. What time of the day do the men observe the latitude of their trip in Chapter 10?
(a) Eight o'clock in the morning.
(b) Eight o'clock in the evening.
(c) Midnight.
(d) Noon.

5. On what night do Pollard's boat and Hendricks' boat become separated?
(a) February 2.
(b) January 29.
(c) January 28.
(d) February 1.

Short Answer Questions

1. Contrary to what the men think, what island are they actually on in Chapter 9?

2. Where is the Pearl headed with Pollard on board two months after the accident at the French Frigate Shoals?

3. What does Chase put in each boat at the beginning of Chapter 10?

4. Who is the first person chosen at the end of Chapter 11 when the lot is drawn?

5. According to the Epilogue, what year is it when a sperm whale washes up on the beaches of Nantucket?

Short Essay Questions

1. What leads to the rescue of Chase's boat?

2. How does Chase choose the events to include in a book about the Essex?

3. How do the men confuse the name of the island they have found in Chapter 9?

4. Why do the men resort to cannibalism in Chapter 11, and what is the irony of their situation?

5. How does Chase prevent the crew from stealing food in Chapter 8?

6. What does Chase put in each boat before leaving Henderson Island and why?

7. How does Pollard's boat become separated from Hendricks' boat?

8. What is the difference in the way Pollard and Chase are received when they return to Nantucket?

9. How are Wright, Weeks, and Chappel rescued from Henderson Island?

10. Why does the crew decide to leave Henderson Island? Who chooses to stay?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 845 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample