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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 carpenter doing when Ahab ascends to deck the next morning?

2. What does Moby Dick do as he spots Ahab?

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

4. What does Ahab contemplate concerning the man who carves his peg leg and builds coffins?

5. To what does Ishmael attribute the Sag Harbor man's disbelief in the story of Jonah?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How is Ahab killed?

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

4. What is the problem with maritime laws pertaining to whaling?

5. What is happening to Queequeg's coffin?

6. What is the change in the crew as they head out in search of Moby Dick?

7. What is the secret that Ishmael lets slip about why Ahab stayed in his cabin so long at the beginning of the trip?

8. What ironic thought does Ahab have while looking at Queequeg's coffin?

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

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

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 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.

Essay Topic 2

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 3

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.

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This section contains 760 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample