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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 Queequeg distinguish himself on the trip to Nantucket?
(a) by climbing to the top of the mast.
(b) by catching a large fish for dinner.
(c) by saving a man who fell overboard.
(d) by winning an arm wrestling match.

2. What is the conversation like at breakfast in the Spouter Inn?
(a) silence.
(b) boisterous.
(c) chatty.
(d) polite.

3. When the whale is harpooned, what action do the harpooner and the chief mate take?
(a) they switch from harpoons to lances.
(b) they manhandle the harpoon line.
(c) they switch places from front to back.
(d) they join the rowers.

4. What happens to Radney during a whale chase?
(a) he is murdered by Steelkilt.
(b) he is promoted to harpooner.
(c) he is thrown overboard.
(d) he is eaten by the whale.

5. After the first whaling experience, what does Ishmael decide to do?
(a) pray every day more urgently.
(b) lead a mutiny.
(c) make out his will.
(d) resign and jump ship.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Ishmael foreshadow Starbuck's behavior throughout the novel?

2. What characteristics does Ishmael assign to Starbuck, the chief mate?

3. What is Queequeg's amusing story about the ship captain attending a wedding in his father's court?

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

5. What do the men do for entertainment on board the Pequod?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. Describe how Ishmael becomes uneasy about Captain Ahab.

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

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

7. Explain the mistaken identity that causes Ahab to order lowering of the boats.

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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