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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 the men attempt to row out of the winds in Chapter 8?

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

4. How many people are waiting for Pollard as he returns to Nantucket on August 5?

5. How many days has it been since Pollard and Hendricks have lost sight of Chase's boat in the beginning of Chapter 11?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What happens to Chase at the end of his life?

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

4. What difficulties is Chase's boat having in Chapter 11?

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

6. What leads to the rescue of Chase's boat?

7. What happens to Hendricks' boat?

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

9. How does Chase's boat deal with a shark attack?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss three setbacks that the crew of the Essex face while attempting to sail towards South America after the ship sinks. Include an analysis of the effects that the setbacks have on the crew's plan, how the crew chooses to approach them, and the actions that they take as a result.

Essay Topic 2

The whale's attack on the Essex is the turning point of the story and the ship's voyage.

1) Describe the behavior and actions of the whale when it is first sighted along with why they are considered strange.

2) Explain how the whale attacks the ship and the response of the crew members during the attack.

3) Discuss why Philbrick states in the Preface that the whale's attack on the Essex is only the beginning of the story.

Essay Topic 3

Compare and contrast the lives of Pollard and Chase, their experiences before and after sailing on the Essex, their leadership styles, and how they are remembered.

(see the answer keys)

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