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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 odd behavior on the part of Ahab occurs over the apparatus used for determining latitude?
(a) Ahab throws it overboard.
(b) Ahab uses it to throw at a whale.
(c) Ahab dashes it against the deck of the ship.
(d) Ahab orders it taken to the top of the mast.

2. What does Ishmael recount about the Samuel Enderby that occurs many years later?
(a) he has a fine social evening on board the ship.
(b) he learns how the Samuel Enderby ran aground.
(c) he hears that Moby Dick sank the ship.
(d) he meets a sailor who remembers Captain Ahab.

3. What happens on this first encounter with Moby Dick?
(a) Ahab's peg leg is broken off and Fedallah is missing.
(b) Ahab finds his hat floating on the ocean.
(c) Moby Dick is harpooned but gets away.
(d) one of the boats is destroyed.

4. What has happened to some of the crew of The Delight?
(a) Moby Dick killed five of them.
(b) they mutinied against the captain.
(c) Moby Dick ate one of them.
(d) they became afraid and turned the ship to run away.

5. Why does Ahab order a basket to take him to the top of one of the masts?
(a) he doubts if the crew would tell him if they spotted Moby Dick.
(b) he wants Moby Dick to spot him easily.
(c) he hopes Moby Dick can smell him and attack the ship.
(d) he wants to be the first one to see the huge whale.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Fedallah say about his own death?

2. What is Captain Ahab doing as the Pequod sails away from The Delight?

3. When Tashtego accidentally falls into the oil-filled head of the whale, who rescues him?

4. Where does Ishmael say the brain of the sperm whale lies?

5. What does Ishmael say the head of the sperm whale contains?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does the encounter with the Bachelor irritate Ahab?

2. What conundrum does Ishmael pose about the whale's biological system?

3. Why does Ahab change his attitude toward the leaking casks of whale oil?

4. Explain how Stubb uses his sense of humor to trick a French whaling ship into leaving a dead whale.

5. What ironic thought does Ahab have while looking at Queequeg's coffin?

6. How does Starbuck try to take advantage of Ahab's tears?

7. What contest occurs between the Pequod and a German whaling ship?

8. What is occupying the mind of the captain of the Rachel?

9. What is foreshadowed by a dream on Ahab's whaling boat?

10. What is happening to Queequeg's coffin?

(see the answer keys)

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