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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 the crew on the ship see Stubb's and Flask's boats coming fast toward them?
(a) they are being chased by pirates.
(b) they are running from Moby Dick.
(c) they are being pulled by a harpooned whale.
(d) they are caught in a rip tide.

2. What is the first thing Moby Dick does when he is spotted?
(a) he swims toward the Pequod.
(b) he sounds and disappears under the sea.
(c) he swims away fast on the surface.
(d) he flukes and dives deep.

3. From what does the Pequod escape at sea?
(a) Malay pirates.
(b) a giant squid.
(c) an ocean whirlpool.
(d) Japanese gun boats.

4. Where is the large hunting ground where the Pequod finds itself in the middle of a pod of sperm whales?
(a) near Japan.
(b) near Jakarta.
(c) near Nantucket.
(d) near Capetown.

5. What is the condition of the baby whale they harpoon?
(a) it is dying from lack of milk.
(b) it is sick from swallowing a turtle.
(c) it is still attached by an umbilical cord.
(d) it is lost from its mother.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the dream predict can kill Ahab?

2. What is the ship's carpenter assigned to do?

3. Why is the captain of The Rachel appealing for help from the Pequod?

4. While Starbuck is talking, what is Ahab thinking?

5. Why does Ahab's boat stay in the ocean and not return after they catch four whales?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is happening to Queequeg's coffin?

2. Why does Ahab order a basket to take him to the top of one of the masts?

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

4. Why does Ahab transfer onto the Samuel Enderby to hear its captain's story?

5. Describe Ishmael's arguments against the man who doubts the Bible.

6. What happens to Fedallah when Moby Dick is harpooned for the first time?

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

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

9. What further insult does Ahab act out after meeting the Delight?

10. What is the change in the crew as they head out in search of Moby Dick?

(see the answer keys)

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