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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. How does Ishmael recognize newcomers to whaling on the streets of New Bedford?
(a) They do not know how to dress.
(b) They look dazed.
(c) They have on new Macintoshes.
(d) They are carrying large carpetbags.

2. What do Ishmael and Stubb discuss about captains and whaling?
(a) whether captains should be harpooners.
(b) whether captains know enough about whales.
(c) whether the captain should take the helm.
(d) whether the captain should go on the boats.

3. Who pilots the Pequod out of the Nantucket harbor?
(a) Peleg.
(b) Ahab.
(c) Bildad.
(d) Starbuck.

4. What does Queequeg use to reach his food?
(a) his long arms.
(b) a small lasso.
(c) his harpoon.
(d) a long stick.

5. To what does Ishmael attribute the hieroglyphic-like markings on the whale skin?
(a) contacts with ships.
(b) ageing.
(c) contacts with other whales.
(d) scrapes from coral reefs.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the subject matter of the sermon in the chapel?

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

3. How does Stubb handle the strange situation?

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

5. How does Queequeg distinguish himself on the trip to Nantucket?

Short Essay Questions

1. How complicated is the process of harvesting the whale blubber?

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

3. Explain the function of the "monkey" on board a whaling ship.

4. Describe the curious rumor about other fish and Moby Dick.

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

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

7. What does Ishmael think about paintings and drawings of whales?

8. What is the function of Charity, Bildad's sister, in the preparations for the Pequod's journey?

9. How does the first day of whaling affect Ishmael?

10. Explain the startling thing that Ishmael learns about his friend, Queequeg.

(see the answer keys)

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