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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. 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 bunk in a communal room.
(d) a closet.

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

3. What is Queequeg's duty while the blubber is stripped from the back of the whale?
(a) he carries equipment to the other crew members.
(b) he takes the watch for more whales.
(c) he carves the teeth from the whale.
(d) he descends to hold it secure.

4. 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) giving the owners shrunken heads.
(d) offering to work for less pay.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Ishmael's objection to artist renditions of the whale?

2. Who is the chaplain of the whaler's place of worship?

3. What does Ishmael decide to do about Queequeg?

4. What startles the crew as they prepare to go after a whale?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Detail the problems of holding a whale overnight tied to the side of the ship.

2. What ominous encounter do Ishmael and Queequeg have after they have signed onto the Pequod?

3. How does Ishmael happen to share a bed with a tattooed headhunter?

4. Describe the appropriate text Father Maple uses in his sermon to the whalers in New Bedford.

5. What behavior of whales works to the advantage of whaling ships looking for them?

6. Explain the importance of Chapters 45 and 46 in understanding the enemy Captain Ahab is up against.

7. Why is the story of Radney and Steelkilt important to the story?

8. What does Ahab do to disturb the crew during the night?

9. How do Starbuck and Stubb react to Ahab's stated mission?

10. Why does Ishmael soon lose his astonishment over Queequeg in New Bedford?

(see the answer keys)

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