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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 is the speculation about the noise coming from the after hold?

2. What type of whale are the men of the Pequod looking for?

3. What purpose does the mad Elijah serve in the story?

4. What insane crew member of the Jeroboam claims to be the Angel Gabriel?

5. Who is Charity and what is her function regarding the Pequod?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. What behavior of whales works to the advantage of whaling ships looking for them?

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

4. What is the surprise the men of the Pequod get when they spot their first whale and begin to lower the boats?

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

6. How complicated is the process of harvesting the whale blubber?

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

8. Explain the startling thing that Ishmael learns about his friend, Queequeg.

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

10. Describe the behavior of the mates dining in the captain's cabin as they torment the cook who serves their meal.

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 comparing the character Bildad in MOBY DICK to the Bildad in the book of Job who God said darkened counsel without knowledge. Point out dialog of Bildad that shows his limited understanding of the real world.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay of at least two typed, double-spaced pages on Ishmael as the narrator of MOBY DICK. Explain what makes Ishmael a good choice as narrator in terms of his education and background. Why does Ishmael relate better to the general reader than Starbuck or Flask might have? Why is it necessary to the story that Ishmael survive the destruction of the Pequod?

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay of at least two typed, double-spaced pages on a character from MOBY DICK you would like to meet. Give specific examples of the behavior of that character and explain why he or she would be someone you would like to know.

(see the answer keys)

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