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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 classify the oiling of the bottom of a boat?

2. What is Ahab's response to the call for help?

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

4. What does Ishmael recount about the Samuel Enderby that occurs many years later?

5. What has the need for revenge done to Ahab's heart?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe the madness of Ahab that loses his humanity.

3. What is happening to Queequeg's coffin?

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

5. Why does the encounter with the Bachelor irritate Ahab?

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

7. Explain why the Pequod sails in the wrong direction.

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

9. How does Starbuck try to take advantage of Ahab's tears?

10. What contest occurs between the Pequod and a German whaling ship?

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 people who take dangerous occupations. In Melville's day, perhaps whaling the most dangerous occupation in the world. Compare that to some dangerous occupations today. Conclude with whether you would ever undertake a really dangerous job.

Essay Topic 2

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 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)

This section contains 699 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample