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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. Why does Starbuck send Stubb to report the storm damage to Captain Ahab?

2. What reaction do both Ahab and Starbuck have to the Spanish doubloon still nailed to the mast?

3. How does Ahab become more irritated as the Pequod sails in the Pacific Ocean?

4. What is Captain Ahab doing as the Pequod sails away from The Delight?

5. What does Pip do when a whale is harpooned?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Ahab transfer onto the Samuel Enderby to hear its captain's story?

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

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

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

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

7. How does Ishmael show the further mental deterioration of Ahab?

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

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

10. What is happening to Queequeg's coffin?

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 the character of Pip. Describe his position on the Pequod. Detail the reason for his jumping twice out of the whaling boat. Explain how fear left him insane. Finally, explain his usefulness to the plot of MOBY DICK.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay of at least two typed, double-spaced pages on Melville as a novelist. Mention the parts of Moby Dick that you found the most interesting. Discuss also some of the drier parts of the novel that tend to interrupt the flow of the story. Give your opinion about his use of language to paint a picture of life on a whaling ship.

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This section contains 720 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample