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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. What is Chase's first inclination upon arriving at the island in Chapter 9?

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

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

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

5. What museum acquires the skeleton of the whale found in the Epilogue?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens to Hendricks' boat?

2. How does Cole die in Chapter 12?

3. What is the difference in the way Pollard and Chase are received when they return to Nantucket?

4. What happens at the end of Chapter 11 when lots are drawn in Pollard's boat?

5. What discovery do the men in Chase's boat make while trying to combat the heat?

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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

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.

(see the answer keys)

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