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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. How does Ishmael become the only survivor of the wreck of the Pequod?
(a) he manages to swim toward The Delight.
(b) the coffin turned life buoy saves his life.
(c) he manages to get back into the only boat not destroyed.
(d) he is carried on the back of Moby Dick to near The Rachel.

2. What danger does Ishmael say the whale wields in particular?
(a) the whale can call for other whales to attack a ship.
(b) the whale can fluke and land on a ship.
(c) the whale can do great damage with its tail.
(d) the whale never forgets.

3. What makes Ahab return quickly to the Pequod from the Samuel Enderby?
(a) he wants to beat the other captain to Moby Dick.
(b) he has a fight with the other captain.
(c) he learns the direction Moby Dick is traveling.
(d) he begins to feel ill.

4. What does Stubb get from the dead whale?
(a) the tail fins.
(b) the bones in the mouth.
(c) a substance known as Ambergis.
(d) the skull and teeth.

5. What is Ahab's response to the call for help?
(a) he fires on The Rachel and runs away.
(b) he disbelieves the captain of The Rachel.
(c) he agrees to join in the search for the missing boat.
(d) he ignores the plea and sets out to find Moby Dick.

Short Answer Questions

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

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

3. Ironically, what is hanging from the taffrail of the Pequod?

4. What does Ahab finally admit?

5. What do Ahab and the captain of the Samuel Enderby have in common?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Ahab killed?

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

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

4. Describe Ishmael's arguments against the man who doubts the Bible.

5. After killing the sperm whale, why does Ahab want them to capture and kill the less valuable Right Whale?

6. Relate the sad story of Pip.

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

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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