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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. On December 13, how many nautical miles do the men think they are away from reaching the light variable winds they need?

2. As mentioned at the end of Chapter 13, where is the whale ship from that Chase later sails with?

3. What do the men begin losing on their first morning on the island?

4. When do Chase, Lawrence, and Nickerson arrive in Nantucket?

5. Unknown to the crew in Chapter 9, how many miles away from the island is a community with food and water?

Short Essay Questions

1. How has has the town of Nantucket changed since the nineteenth century?

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

3. What happens to Hendricks' boat?

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

5. How does Pollard's boat become separated from Hendricks' boat?

6. Why does the crew decide to leave Henderson Island? Who chooses to stay?

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

8. What is the crew concerned about as it sees land in the beginning of Chapter 9?

9. What is Chase's initial opinion about staying on the island in Chapter 9?

10. How are Wright, Weeks, and Chappel rescued from Henderson Island?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Describe the first two encounters with a whale that the crew of the Essex has, including a detailed description of the Nantucket sleigh ride. Also, provide an explanation of why this is a significant point in the story and what it indicates for the different members of the crew.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

In the Preface, a general background of whaling is provided by Philbrick.

1) Describe the purpose of the Preface and the literary reasons for the information it includes.

2) Explain why sailors from Nantucket hunted whales and how the whales are typically killed.

3) Analyze the sperm whales as they are presented in the Preface along with why they are specifically targeted by whalers.

(see the answer keys)

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