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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 after the sinking of the Essex is Chase's account of the ordeal available as a book?

2. How does Pollard initially respond to the suggestion of drawing a lot in Chapter 11?

3. Where is the Pearl headed with Pollard on board two months after the accident at the French Frigate Shoals?

4. Which one of the following is not included in the museum's exhibit of the Essex?

5. How long does the northwesterly breeze hold for before switching to the east-northeast in Chapter 10?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Chase choose the events to include in a book about the Essex?

2. What idea does Pollard have for sailing out of the calm winds in Chapter 8?

3. How do the men confuse the name of the island they have found in Chapter 9?

4. How does Lawrence repair the leak in Chase's boat?

5. Who attends the dinner on the night Pollard is rescued, and what does Pollard discuss with Aaron Paddack later that night?

6. What does the exhibit for the Essex at the Whaling Museum feature?

7. How does Chase prevent the crew from stealing food in Chapter 8?

8. How does Pollard's whaling career end, and how is he remembered?

9. What does Chase put in each boat before leaving Henderson Island and why?

10. How do the boats get separated in Chapter 10?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

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

Describe the way that Philbrick conveys the desperation of the men as they get farther away from the sunken ship. Provide multiple examples of how he uses literature in order to emphasize the severity of their situation and their inclination to surrender. Also, analyze the way that Philbrick simultaneously engages the reader along the way with signs of hope and optimism.

(see the answer keys)

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