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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 Ahab do in an excited state after visiting the Samuel Enderby?

2. What does the captain of a German whaling ship want from the Pequod?

3. What makes Ahab return quickly to the Pequod from the Samuel Enderby?

4. Why does Pip join on one of the whaling boats?

5. How does Ahab die?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Ahab order a basket to take him to the top of one of the masts?

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

3. What is so interesting about the perceptions of the Spanish doubloon nailed to the mast?

4. Why does Ahab change his attitude toward the leaking casks of whale oil?

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

6. What is happening to Queequeg's coffin?

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

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

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

10. What conundrum does Ishmael pose about the whale's biological system?

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 why we know so much more about whales now than Melville knew. Discuss the modern technology that allows whales to be observed in their natural underwater habitat. Mention modern photography that shows the whale as it is and not as an artist imagines it.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

Write an essay of at least two typed, double-spaced pages on the mystery of the sea. Begin with the mysterious things about the sea that Melville presents in the novel. Move into the present where there are still many things we do not know about the sea. Explain why the sea is so difficult to understand including its size, its atmospheric pressure, and its eco-systems.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 689 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample