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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. According to the Preface, what is the primary reason for whale hunting?

2. What is the first thing that the captain and crew of the Dauphin notice when they see the smaller boat?

3. How do Pollard and Chase react to the way the men take the Essex out to sea?

4. How far have the men rescued by the Dauphin been sailing at the end of the Preface?

5. In what year does the story take place in?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. How is Nantucket described in Chapter 1?

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

6. How does the crew of the Essex decide to sail towards South America instead of the Society Islands?

7. What is used to determine the wages of sailors that participate in whaling trips, and how will Nickerson be paid?

8. What are some of the facts that Philbrick discloses about the sinking of the Essex in the Preface?

9. What are the first difficulties that the Essex experiences at the end of Chapter 2?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The Whaling Museum features an exhibit for the Essex. Discuss how the sinking of the Essex is initially regarded by the town, the reasons why, and the way that the ship is now remembered. In addition, provide an analysis of how the sperm whales have changed as a result of the whaling that took place during the nineteenth century.

Essay Topic 2

The whale's attack on the Essex is the turning point of the story and the ship's voyage.

1) Describe the behavior and actions of the whale when it is first sighted along with why they are considered strange.

2) Explain how the whale attacks the ship and the response of the crew members during the attack.

3) Discuss why Philbrick states in the Preface that the whale's attack on the Essex is only the beginning of the story.

Essay Topic 3

Before the Essex leaves Nantucket, a detailed account of its age, history, and condition is provided.

1) Explain the modifications and repairs that are done to the Essex before it leaves.

2) Describe the history of the ship, including its background, condition, and why it is considered to be lucky.

3) Analyze the connections between the condition of the Essex and its sinking.

4) Analyze Philbrick's style of writing in delivering the information about the Essex.

(see the answer keys)

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