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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 does the captain of a German whaling ship want from the Pequod?

2. What does Pip do when a whale is harpooned?

3. Why is the captain of The Rachel appealing for help from the Pequod?

4. What is the news from The Rachel as it nears the Pequod?

5. What do passing sailors say about the white whale?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the change in the crew as they head out in search of Moby Dick?

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

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

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

5. What is Ishmael trying to ascertain as he ponders fossil remains of whales he has read about?

6. What further insult does Ahab act out after meeting the Delight?

7. What is happening to Queequeg's coffin?

8. What is so interesting about the perceptions of the Spanish doubloon nailed to the mast?

9. Relate the sad story of Pip.

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

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 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 2

Write an essay of at least two typed, double-spaced pages on Ishmael as the narrator of MOBY DICK. Explain what makes Ishmael a good choice as narrator in terms of his education and background. Why does Ishmael relate better to the general reader than Starbuck or Flask might have? Why is it necessary to the story that Ishmael survive the destruction of the Pequod?

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 737 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample