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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 are the shifts that each man serves on watching the decks during the evenings in Chapter 2?

2. Which of the following is not taken by the crew as the Essex sinks in Chapter 5?

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

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

5. Which fictional novel was inspired by the sinking of the Essex?

Short Essay Questions

1. As stated in the Preface, when, where, and why are sperm whales hunted?

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

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

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

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

6. What modifications are made to the whale boats in the beginning of Chapter 6?

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

8. How is the Essex described in Chapter 1?

9. What is the main concern of the boats during the first few days after the sinking of the Essex?

10. What is unusual about the sperm whale that surfaces unexpectedly in Chapter 5?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Analyze three possible theories about why the whale might have attacked the Essex. Use the book to reference the sources of these theories and the reasons behind them. Also, explain which one you think is the most logical and why.

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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