View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What had one of the boats from The Rachel accomplished?

2. Where is Ahab on the morning of a clear day as they continue the search for Moby Dick?

3. Given the irony of the coffin turned life buoy, what is the feeling of foreshadowing?

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

5. What has the need for revenge done to Ahab's heart?

Short Essay Questions

1. Relate the sad story of Pip.

2. What happens to Fedallah when Moby Dick is harpooned for the first time?

3. Explain two instances that Starbuck interprets as signs that God does not support Ahab's revenge on Moby Dick.

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

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

6. What is the secret that Ishmael lets slip about why Ahab stayed in his cabin so long at the beginning of the trip?

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

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

9. What is the problem with maritime laws pertaining to whaling?

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

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 why Ishmael's idea that the whale could never become extinct was just the thing that has almost made the whale disappear. Explain how man's use of natural resources has done a great deal of damage to species and to the planet.

Essay Topic 2

Write an essay of at least two typed, double-spaced pages on respect. Use the example of Starbuck who disagrees with Ahab's vendetta against a whale but always follows orders, even when he thinks they are wrong. Define why respect for the captain and the crew is necessary to maintain order on a ship.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay of at least two typed, double-spaced pages on the beauty of whales in their natural habitat. Include such things as how they jump out of the water, the impressive look of their spouts, the way they utilize their tails, how graceful they are for such large creatures, and modern recordings of whale songs.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 756 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample