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

2. What happens on the third day after spotting Moby Dick?
(a) Ahab falls into the ocean but gets back in the boat.
(b) Ahab harpoons the whale.
(c) Ahab misses with his harpoon.
(d) Moby Dick swims to the other side of the Pequod.

3. Why is the captain of The Rachel appealing for help from the Pequod?
(a) his 12-year-old son is on the boat hauled away by Moby Dick.
(b) one of his crewmen has fallen overboard near Moby Dick.
(c) his ship is taking on water from Moby Dick's damage.
(d) he wants two ships to surround Moby Dick.

4. What is the mood on the Pequod?
(a) light and cheerful.
(b) high with anticipation.
(c) grim and somber.
(d) excited and tense.

5. What does the dream predict can kill Ahab?
(a) fire.
(b) oil.
(c) hemp.
(d) an iron harpoon.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. How did the watch on the mast of The Rachel know that Moby Dick had probably been harpooned.

3. Why does Starbuck send Stubb to report the storm damage to Captain Ahab?

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

5. What happens to the mast of the Pequod during a typhoon?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Ishmael show the further mental deterioration of Ahab?

2. What happens when Tashtego accidentally falls into the oil-filled head of the whale?

3. What is the problem with maritime laws pertaining to whaling?

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

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

6. What is the ominous message from the whaling ship Delight?

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

8. What is happening to Queequeg's coffin?

9. What is the evidence that there is still a vestige of humanity left in Ahab?

10. What is Ishmael trying to ascertain as he ponders fossil remains of whales he has read about?

(see the answer keys)

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