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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Ishmael linger on the Biblical story of Jonah?
(a) because he does not believe the Biblical account.
(b) because he remembers sermons about Jonah.
(c) because it explains a lot about whales.
(d) because some crewmen doubt the story.

2. What is Ahab thinking about as he looks out to sea?
(a) home, family, and growing older.
(b) whether whales have families.
(c) vacationing in Italy.
(d) the fall in Nantucket.

3. Why is the captain of The Rachel appealing for help from the Pequod?
(a) his 12-year-old son is on the boat hauled away by Moby Dick.
(b) one of his crewmen has fallen overboard near Moby Dick.
(c) he wants two ships to surround Moby Dick.
(d) his ship is taking on water from Moby Dick's damage.

4. What is the first thing Moby Dick does when he is spotted?
(a) he swims away fast on the surface.
(b) he swims toward the Pequod.
(c) he sounds and disappears under the sea.
(d) he flukes and dives deep.

5. What is the change in Stubb?
(a) he walks with a faster pace.
(b) he becomes a cheerleader for the crew.
(c) he becomes more of a clown.
(d) he no longer jokes and laughs.

6. What does Ishmael say the head of the sperm whale contains?
(a) soft tissue that contains no oil.
(b) a gigantic brain.
(c) hard bone used as a battering ram.
(d) the largest and the most pure quantity of sperm whale oil.

7. Where is Ahab on the morning of a clear day as they continue the search for Moby Dick?
(a) on top of a mast.
(b) at the bow of the ship.
(c) on the rail of the deck.
(d) in his cabin.

8. What had one of the boats from The Rachel accomplished?
(a) they spied Moby Dick.
(b) they harpooned Moby Dick.
(c) they escaped Moby Dick.
(d) they got all around Moby Dick.

9. What happens on the third day after spotting Moby Dick?
(a) Ahab harpoons the whale.
(b) Moby Dick swims to the other side of the Pequod.
(c) Ahab falls into the ocean but gets back in the boat.
(d) Ahab misses with his harpoon.

10. How does Ahab become more irritated as the Pequod sails in the Pacific Ocean?
(a) he begins having strange dreams about Moby Dick.
(b) he believes the crew are not watchful enough.
(c) he knows Moby Dick is swimming in the same ocean.
(d) he thinks Moby Dick has returned to the Indian ocean.

11. Where does Ishmael say the brain of the sperm whale lies?
(a) near the front of the head.
(b) far back from the forehead.
(c) in its hump.
(d) directly between the eyes.

12. From what does the Pequod escape at sea?
(a) Japanese gun boats.
(b) an ocean whirlpool.
(c) Malay pirates.
(d) a giant squid.

13. What does Flask see as he examines the doubloon?
(a) the way it shines in the sunlight.
(b) the plan he has for getting it for himself.
(c) the astrological meaning of the engraving on the coin.
(d) the number of cigars it will buy.

14. What does Starbuck contemplate when he finds Ahab asleep?
(a) scaring the captain.
(b) locking up the captain.
(c) waking the captain.
(d) murdering the captain.

15. What makes Starbuck come and talk to Ahab.
(a) he takes advantage of the beautiful morning.
(b) he decides to try one more time to change Ahab.
(c) he witnesses the unexpected show of emotion by Ahab.
(d) he regrets his desire to kill Ahab.

Short Answer Questions

1. When Tashtego accidentally falls into the oil-filled head of the whale, who rescues him?

2. To what complaint does Ahab admit?

3. What foreshadows what is likely to happen to Ahab and Fedallah?

4. What is the irony of the coffin?

5. Why does Starbuck send Stubb to report the storm damage to Captain Ahab?

(see the answer keys)

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