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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. Why does Ishmael advise against putting intellectual men on watch?
(a) they analyze too much.
(b) they become engrossed in their own thoughts.
(c) they become easily bored.
(d) they ask too many questions.

2. What is the name of Queequeg's small, carved idol?
(a) Mojo.
(b) Sojo.
(c) Jojo.
(d) Yojo.

3. Which ship does Ishmael select for him and Queequeg to sign on?
(a) the Devil-dam.
(b) the Tit-bit.
(c) the Pequod.
(d) the Titanic.

4. What is Ishmael's profession before signing on the whaling ship?
(a) merchant marine.
(b) newspaper reporter.
(c) bank clerk.
(d) schoolmaster.

5. What type of whale are the men of the Pequod looking for?
(a) the sperm whale.
(b) the duodecimo whale.
(c) the albino whale.
(d) the octavo whale.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Elijah challenge Ishmael to find the men he saw heading for the Pequod?

2. What do Peleg and Bildad do once the Pequod is in the Atlantic Ocean?

3. How does Ishmael describe the possibility of mutiny on a whale ship?

4. Which boat from the Pequod is the first to harpoon a whale?

5. What is the man called who stands on deck and holds the rope that secures Queequeg?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. What does Ahab want from the first whaling ship they meet in the ocean?

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

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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