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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. How long is the huge whale that appears off the port bow in Chapter 5?

2. As described in the Preface, in which ocean are the whales hunted?

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

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

5. Why does Pollard choose the Society Islands as the crew's destination?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Philbrick describe Pollard and his experience in Chapter 2?

3. What happens when the Essex meets the Aurora?

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

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

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

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

8. How are the three whale boats divided and stocked for the trip at the end of Chapter 6?

9. How is Nantucket described in Chapter 1?

10. What complaint does the crew bring to Pollard at the end of Chapter 3, and how does he handle it?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Philbrick depicts the irony of the crew's situation when they resort to what they were initially trying to avoid.

1) Explain the events that cause the crew to resort to cannibalism.

2) Describe the way murder is considered in Pollard's boat and the results of the lots that are drawn.

3) Analyze the irony of the crew's options and their reasons for sailing towards South America.

Essay Topic 2

Explain in detail how Pollard's and Chase's boats are rescued in different areas and the varying routes that the crew members take back to Nantucket. Also, include a description of how the three men are rescued on Henderson Island, the difficulties with the rescue, and the unknown status of the third whale boat from the Essex.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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