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

2. How old is Captain George Pollard, Jr. when he boards the Essex in Chapter 2?

3. How many miles does it take the crew to set and trim the sails of the Essex?

4. Why does Chase hesitate to attack the giant whale when it resurfaces on the starboard after the collision?

5. What month is it when the island of St. Mary's is sighted off the coast of Chile in Chapter 4?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does the Dauphin find in the Preface?

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

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

4. How does Pollard's boat respond to being attacked by a whale in Chapter 7?

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

6. What is the process for "trying out" a whale?

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

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

9. How is a whale killed by sailors?

10. How is the Essex described in Chapter 1?

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

Henderson Island is a key point in the crew's effort to make it to South America.

1) Explain what leads the crew to Henderson Island and why they are confused about the island's identity.

2) Describe the crew's time on the island and the important things that they discover there.

3) Analyze the decision made by three crew members to remain of the island in comparison to the decision made by the majority of the crew to leave.

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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