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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What prevents Steelkilt from taking revenge on Radney?
(a) The captain orders Radney executed.
(b) Moby Dick kills Radney.
(c) Radney apologizes.
(d) Steelkilt has a change of heart.

2. How does the narrator describe the men who work the Erie Canal?
(a) They are picturesquely wicked.
(b) They are sneaky and subtle.
(c) They are strong and virtuous.
(d) They are mild and calm.

3. What do Steelkilt's three remaining conspirators decide to do to save themselves?
(a) Sneak back to their posts.
(b) Support Steelkilt's mutiny.
(c) Kill Steelkilt.
(d) Bind Steelkilt and give him to the captain.

4. What food does Bartleby appear to eat exclusively?
(a) Chestnuts.
(b) Ginger nuts.
(c) Porridge.
(d) Pine nuts.

5. What does Bartleby's demeanor show about his eccentricities?
(a) They are unimportant.
(b) They are involuntary.
(c) They are important.
(d) They are voluntary.

Short Answer Questions

1. What happens to the rooster when the Merrymusk family dies?

2. What good qualities does Bartleby have as an employee?

3. How does the narrator of "Cock-a-Doodle-Doo?" treat his creditor after hearing the crow?

4. What does the crew decide not to do after Steelkilt is flogged?

5. What is the narrator's condition when he goes to the theater in London?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Steelkilt demand to prevent a mutiny?

2. What do the sailors in "The Encantadas" do with tortoises?

3. In "Rich Man's Crumbs," why is the narrator called a "graceless ragamuffin"?

4. How does the narrator respond the first time Bartleby answers a request with, "I would prefer not to"?

5. Why does Melville believe that American poor suffer more than European poor?

6. What does the narrator say happens to one in command who discovers a subordinate who is "significantly his superior"?

7. How is the accuracy of copy verified by scriveners?

8. Why does the narrator say that pity turns into repulsion?

9. Why does Melville call Redondo the "aviary of the ocean"?

10. Why did the first seven of Steelkilt's men come out of their imprisonment?

(see the answer keys)

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