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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. Which weapon does Pollard choose to keep for himself as Chapter 6 ends?

2. How far away in sailing distance from the Essex is the Offshore Ground in Chapter 7?

3. Which of the following is not included in the list of supplies that are loaded onto the Essex as it prepares for the journey in Chapter 1?

4. Which well known island is mentioned in Chapter 6 as a part of the Society Islands that the Nantucketers should have known about?

5. How far away from the first whale sighted do the men position themselves in the boats?

Short Essay Questions

1. What well known island is part of the Society Islands and why should the crew have been aware of it?

2. What happens when the first whale of the trip is sighted?

3. How successful is the Essex off the coast of Peru?

4. How do two whales escape from Chase's boat in the beginning of Chapter 5?

5. What events take place on Hood Island at the end of Chapter 4?

6. What troubles is the Essex having at Cape Horn and off the coast of Chile?

7. What is done to the Essex in order to prepare it for the trip?

8. How does the crew of the Essex deal with the second whale sighted in Chapter 3, and what is a Nantucket sleigh ride?

9. What happens when the Essex tries to leave Nantucket?

10. What setbacks are the three boats having as they approach the Society Islands at the end of Chapter 7?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Herman Melville is inspired by the Essex to write one of the most well known books in literature.

1) Explain how Melville first learns of the Essex's voyage.

2) Describe Melville's experiences in whaling and how they contribute to his book.

3) Analyze the connection of the Essex to Moby Dick along with the similarities and differences in the two epic stories.

Essay Topic 2

Upon their return to Nantucket, Pollard, Chase, and Nickerson decide to give their accounts of the tragedy.

1) Analyze all three accounts, including the similarities and differences between them.

2) Compare the facts of the trip that Philbrick provides in the book with Chase's version.

3) Describe Pollard's response to the existing stories and how his version is received.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast the lives of Pollard and Chase, their experiences before and after sailing on the Essex, their leadership styles, and how they are remembered.

(see the answer keys)

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