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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 first thing that the captain and crew of the Dauphin notice when they see the smaller boat?

2. As described in Chapter 1, what does the sighting of a comet indicate?

3. Why does Chase hesitate to attack the giant whale when it resurfaces on the starboard after the collision?

4. What causes Chase's boat to get a hole in it as they approach another whale on November 20?

5. Which provisions does the crew of the Essex plan to purchase at the Azores?

Short Essay Questions

1. What happens when the Essex tries to leave Nantucket?

2. What complaint does the crew bring to Pollard at the end of Chapter 3, and how does he handle it?

3. What does the Dauphin find in the Preface?

4. How does the crew of the Essex deal with the second whale sighted in Chapter 3, and what is a Nantucket sleigh ride?

5. What are some of the facts that Philbrick discloses about the sinking of the Essex in the Preface?

6. What events take place on Hood Island at the end of Chapter 4?

7. How does Philbrick describe Pollard and his experience in Chapter 2?

8. What is unusual about the sperm whale that surfaces unexpectedly in Chapter 5?

9. How are the three whale boats divided and stocked for the trip at the end of Chapter 6?

10. How does the crew initially respond to the sinking of the Essex?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The whale's attack on the Essex is the turning point of the story and the ship's voyage.

1) Describe the behavior and actions of the whale when it is first sighted along with why they are considered strange.

2) Explain how the whale attacks the ship and the response of the crew members during the attack.

3) Discuss why Philbrick states in the Preface that the whale's attack on the Essex is only the beginning of the story.

Essay Topic 2

Nature is a main element of the book and the Essex's voyage. Explain three examples of the effects that nature has on the story and the trip. Include an analysis of how the crew responds to nature and how their responses also have an effect on the book's themes.

Essay Topic 3

Herman Melville is inspired by the Essex to write one of the most well known books in literature.

1) Explain how Melville first learns of the Essex's voyage.

2) Describe Melville's experiences in whaling and how they contribute to his book.

3) Analyze the connection of the Essex to Moby Dick along with the similarities and differences in the two epic stories.

(see the answer keys)

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