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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. Who is the second mate on board the Pequod?

2. What happens to Radney during a whale chase?

3. What is Ishmael's objection to artist renditions of the whale?

4. What accommodation is available for Ishmael at the inn in New Bedford?

5. What story about a whale attack compares to the history of the Titanic?

Short Essay Questions

1. How do Starbuck and Stubb react to Ahab's stated mission?

2. What is the amusing account of Queequeg and the wheelbarrow?

3. Describe the curious rumor about other fish and Moby Dick.

4. What does Ishmael think about paintings and drawings of whales?

5. Explain the function of the "monkey" on board a whaling ship.

6. What ominous encounter do Ishmael and Queequeg have after they have signed onto the Pequod?

7. Explain why Ishmael decides to book himself on a whaling ship.

8. What does Ahab do to disturb the crew during the night?

9. How does the first day of whaling affect Ishmael?

10. How does Ahab express his mission on this trip of the Pequod?

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 a character from MOBY DICK you would like to meet. Give specific examples of the behavior of that character and explain why he or she would be someone you would like to know.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay of at least two typed, double-spaced pages on the literary use of personification. Begin with how Ahab assigns human characteristics to Moby Dick, believing that the whale is a mortal enemy, conscious of a vendetta against him. Then go to children's stories where animal characters think and talk like humans. Discuss personification as a device to explain relationships between humans and animals.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay of at least two typed, double-spaced pages on dealing with hardships. Using examples from MOBY DICK, your essay should point out how human beings have the ability to deal with difficult situations. Discuss ways people deal with hardships today.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 686 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample