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

2. What purpose does the mad Elijah serve in the story?
(a) he adds comic relief to the story.
(b) he prophecies disaster for the Pequod.
(c) he explains how to get on board the Pequod.
(d) he prophecies success for the Pequod.

3. What apology does Ishmael make about whalers?
(a) He uses history to honor whalers.
(b) He agrees that whalers are low caste.
(c) He defends their crude manners.
(d) He explains why they are socially low.

4. 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.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What has Ahab's vengeance done to him?

2. Why does the rumor start that Moby Dick is stalking the Pequod?

3. Where is Captain Ahab as the crew begins coming aboard the Pequod?

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

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

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

6. Under what circumstances do Peleg and Bildad leave the Pequod?

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

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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