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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. How does Ishmael introduce the story of Moby Dick?

2. Although the other four strange men blend in with the crew, what does Ishmael observe about Fedallah?

3. How does Ishmael describe the whales he sees in the ocean?

4. Who are Peleg and Bildad?

5. How does Ishmael recognize newcomers to whaling on the streets of New Bedford?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What is the amusing account of Queequeg and the wheelbarrow?

4. Describe the curious rumor about other fish and Moby Dick.

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

6. Explain why Ishmael decides to book himself on a whaling ship.

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

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

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

10. Under what circumstances do Peleg and Bildad leave the Pequod?

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 hard life of whalers. Mention the three year expeditions required to fill the ship with valuable whale oil. Discuss the weather conditions that make the trip more dangerous. Detail the need to go out in small boats to get near enough to the whales to harpoon them.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay of at least two typed, double-spaced pages on the literary use of personification. Begin with how Ahab assigns human characteristics to Moby Dick, believing that the whale is a mortal enemy, conscious of a vendetta against him. Then go to children's stories where animal characters think and talk like humans. Discuss personification as a device to explain relationships between humans and animals.

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.

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