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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Ishmael think is more remarkable than the whale's size and color?

2. Which crew member does Ishmael single out as having the most responsibility?

3. Why does Ishmael think Chapter 45 is the most important one in the book?

4. What is the name of the inn where Ishmael stays while waiting to go to Nantucket?

5. Who is the second mate on board the Pequod?

Short Essay Questions

1. What potential serious problem does Ahab ignore in order to talk to the captain of another whaling ship?

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

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

4. How does Queequeg determine which of them will select the whaling ship they take for their whaling adventure?

5. What is the function of Charity, Bildad's sister, in the preparations for the Pequod's journey?

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

7. How does Ishmael inform the reader about the process of whale hunting?

8. Why does Ishmael soon lose his astonishment over Queequeg in New Bedford?

9. How does Ishmael happen to share a bed with a tattooed headhunter?

10. At what point does Ishmael go into a discussion about whales in general.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay of at least two typed, double-spaced pages on the beauty of whales in their natural habitat. Include such things as how they jump out of the water, the impressive look of their spouts, the way they utilize their tails, how graceful they are for such large creatures, and modern recordings of whale songs.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay of at least two typed, double-spaced pages on the possible homoerotic overtones in the relationship between Queequeg and Ishmael. Express your opinion as to how you view this relationship. Take into consideration the culture from which Queequeg comes. Do a quick survey of Melville's life to justify your conclusion.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay of at least two typed, double-spaced pages on Fearing the Unknown. Using the example of Ishmael's initial reaction to Queequeg, demonstrate in your essay how people tend to fear what is new or unexplained. Note how as Ishmael begins to learn Queequeg's ways, he becomes less fearful and soon they bond as friends. End your essay with a statement about how eliminating prejudicial fear would make the world a better place.

(see the answer keys)

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