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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is the speculation about Ahab's knowledge of the stowaways?
(a) that he is playing a game with them.
(b) that he is aware of them.
(c) that he will have them thrown overboard.
(d) that he knows why they are there.

2. What does Ishmael think is more remarkable than the whale's size and color?
(a) its memory.
(b) its ability to stay for days under water.
(c) its ability to destroy a large ship.
(d) its intelligence and cunning.

3. What is Starbuck's disagreement with Ahab's purpose for the trip?
(a) the moral correctness of finding the white whale.
(b) the futility of vengeance against a whale.
(c) the need to get oil and return to Nantucket quickly.
(d) the missed opportunities to capture other whales.

4. What accommodation is available for Ishmael at the inn in New Bedford?
(a) a shared room with a harpooner.
(b) a bench in the dining room.
(c) a closet.
(d) a bunk in a communal room.

5. What happens to Radney during a whale chase?
(a) he is murdered by Steelkilt.
(b) he is thrown overboard.
(c) he is promoted to harpooner.
(d) he is eaten by the whale.

6. What does Ishmael say is the saddest thing about any man, no matter how bad he is?
(a) a man who has lost his valor.
(b) a man who thinks he knows everything.
(c) a man who kills for sport.
(d) a man who disobeys orders.

7. When the whale is harpooned, what action do the harpooner and the chief mate take?
(a) they switch from harpoons to lances.
(b) they manhandle the harpoon line.
(c) they switch places from front to back.
(d) they join the rowers.

8. What purpose does the mad Elijah serve in the story?
(a) he prophecies success for the Pequod.
(b) he adds comic relief to the story.
(c) he explains how to get on board the Pequod.
(d) he prophecies disaster for the Pequod.

9. Which crew member does Ishmael single out as having the most responsibility?
(a) the harpooner.
(b) the oarsman.
(c) the first mate.
(d) the captain.

10. What does Stubb instruct Daggoo to do for him?
(a) carve his name on the whale's back.
(b) take over securing the whale to the ship.
(c) cut out a tooth from the whale.
(d) cut a steak from the tail of the whale.

11. What is the speculation about the noise coming from the after hold?
(a) There are stowaways on board.
(b) Moby Dick is sniffing out Captain Ahab.
(c) There are ghosts on the Pequod.
(d) There is live bait in the hold.

12. After the whale is captured, what is the next step?
(a) hauling it back to the ship.
(b) cutting off its head and tail.
(c) estimating its weight.
(d) removing its skin.

13. Why does the rumor start that Moby Dick is stalking the Pequod?
(a) a whale spout is seen only once every afternoon.
(b) something keeps bumping the Pequod.
(c) no large fish are spotted near the Pequod.
(d) a whale spout is seen at night every so often.

14. Which harpooner is chosen by Starbuck?
(a) Queequeg.
(b) Ishmael.
(c) Tashtego.
(d) Daggoo.

15. Where is Captain Ahab as the crew begins coming aboard the Pequod?
(a) bringing up the rear.
(b) in his cabin.
(c) standing on the deck.
(d) still at home in his bedroom.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the conversation like at breakfast in the Spouter Inn?

2. What is the rumor about other fish when they encounter the white whale?

3. How does Ishmael introduce the story of Moby Dick?

4. What is Ishmael's profession before signing on the whaling ship?

5. What is the harpooner, Queequeg, out doing when Ishmael is shown to his room?

(see the answer keys)

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