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

2. What do Peleg and Bildad do once the Pequod is in the Atlantic Ocean?
(a) leave the Pequod on a raft.
(b) return to shore in a small boat.
(c) go wake up Captain Ahab.
(d) jump overboard and swim to shore.

3. What is the name of the inn where Ishmael stays while waiting to go to Nantucket?
(a) the Whale Bone Inn.
(b) the Peter Coffin Inn.
(c) the Spouter Inn.
(d) the Humpback Inn.

4. What early shipboard duty does Ishmael describe?
(a) his experience in swabbing the deck.
(b) his time in the whaling boats.
(c) his first experience serving watch.
(d) his work in the galley.

5. What is the harpooner, Queequeg, out doing when Ishmael is shown to his room?
(a) smoking his pipe.
(b) sharpening his hatchet.
(c) shaving with his harpoon.
(d) selling a shrunken head.

Short Answer Questions

1. What story about a whale attack compares to the history of the Titanic?

2. How do Ishmael and Queequeg transport their baggage to the boat bound for Nantucket?

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

4. Why does Ishmael advise against putting intellectual men on watch?

5. Who is Charity and what is her function regarding the Pequod?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What is the surprise the men of the Pequod get when they spot their first whale and begin to lower the boats?

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

5. Explain why Ishmael decides to book himself on a whaling ship.

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

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

8. What is the amusing account of Queequeg and the wheelbarrow?

9. How does Ahab express his mission on this trip of the Pequod?

10. Describe the behavior of the mates dining in the captain's cabin as they torment the cook who serves their meal.

(see the answer keys)

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