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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 what day does Pollard reach St. Mary's Island?

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

3. What time of the day do the men observe the latitude of their trip in Chapter 10?

4. Who is the first person chosen at the end of Chapter 11 when the lot is drawn?

5. On what night do Pollard's boat and Hendricks' boat become separated?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

5. How is Pollard's boat rescued?

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

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

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

9. How does Cole die in Chapter 12?

10. What happens to Hendricks' boat?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Nature is a main element of the book and the Essex's voyage. Explain three examples of the effects that nature has on the story and the trip. Include an analysis of how the crew responds to nature and how their responses also have an effect on the book's themes.

Essay Topic 3

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.

(see the answer keys)

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