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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is Queequeg's amusing story about the ship captain attending a wedding in his father's court?
(a) he wore a grass skirt.
(b) he danced on the table.
(c) he tried to kiss the bride.
(d) he used the punch bowl as a finger bowl.

2. To what does Ishmael compare the weaving of a mat?
(a) complications.
(b) whaling.
(c) life.
(d) map making.

3. What do the plaques in the whaler's chapel remind Ishmael of?
(a) the heroism of whaling.
(b) the marks of distinction.
(c) the time away from land.
(d) the dangers of the sea.

4. Why does Ishmael advise against putting intellectual men on watch?
(a) they become engrossed in their own thoughts.
(b) they ask too many questions.
(c) they become easily bored.
(d) they analyze too much.

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

6. What do the men do for entertainment on board the Pequod?
(a) sing and dance.
(b) tell sea tales.
(c) play cards.
(d) gamble.

7. Who is the High Chief or king of the island of Kokovoko?
(a) Quequeg's uncle.
(b) Queequeg's brother.
(c) Queequeg.
(d) Queequeg's father.

8. What characteristics does Ishmael assign to Starbuck, the chief mate?
(a) impetuousness and anger.
(b) ignorance and brashness.
(c) common sense and intelligence.
(d) elegance and sophistication.

9. How does Queequeg manage to sign on with the Pequod after first being turned down?
(a) agreeing to convert to Christianity.
(b) demonstrating his skill with the harpoon.
(c) offering to work for less pay.
(d) giving the owners shrunken heads.

10. Although the other four strange men blend in with the crew, what does Ishmael observe about Fedallah?
(a) his reasons for being on the voyage remained a mystery.
(b) he seems to like only Queequeg.
(c) his ability as harpooner is questionable.
(d) he stays apart because only Ahab understands his language.

11. What is the encounter in the ocean that causes Ahab to come to the deck?
(a) they are chased by pirates.
(b) they hear strange musical sounds in the ocean.
(c) they meet another whaling ship.
(d) they see a huge pod of whales.

12. Why does Elijah challenge Ishmael to find the men he saw heading for the Pequod?
(a) they will not board with Captain Ahab.
(b) they are ghosts and not real men.
(c) they are figments of Ishmael's imagination.
(d) they are criminals sabotaging the Pequod.

13. What equipment does Ishmael discuss including their descriptions and uses?
(a) oars.
(b) sails.
(c) ropes.
(d) harpoons.

14. Which ship does Ishmael select for him and Queequeg to sign on?
(a) the Tit-bit.
(b) the Pequod.
(c) the Titanic.
(d) the Devil-dam.

15. What is the rumor about other fish when they encounter the white whale?
(a) they group to attack the whale.
(b) they kill themselves.
(c) they rise to the surface.
(d) they swim away in terror.

Short Answer Questions

1. To what does Ishmael compare the differences between land and sea?

2. What unusual thing does Queequeg do while putting on his boots?

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

4. How does Ishmael digress after the first whales are spotted?

5. What does Ishmael say is the saddest thing about any man, no matter how bad he is?

(see the answer keys)

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