Chapter 37 - Sunset Quiz — Moby-Dick; or, The Whale

What literary form does Chapter 37 take?

• A letter from Ahab to his wife
• A dramatic soliloquy
• A dialogue between Ahab and Starbuck
• A third-person omniscient narration

Where is Ahab located during this chapter?

• On the quarterdeck addressing the crew
• In his cabin by the stern windows
• At the masthead looking for whales
• In the forecastle with the sailors

To what historical object does Ahab compare the burden of his obsession?

• The Crown Jewels of England
• The Iron Crown of Lombardy
• The Sword of Damocles
• The Shield of Achilles

What does Ahab say he is "gifted" with but lacks?

• Gifted with strength but lacking courage
• Gifted with high perception but lacking the low, enjoying power
• Gifted with wealth but lacking love
• Gifted with command but lacking loyalty

How does Ahab describe his relationship to the crew after the quarterdeck scene?

• They all refused his orders
• His one cogged circle fits into all their various wheels, and they revolve
• They follow him only out of love
• Starbuck rallied them against his plan

What metaphor does Ahab use for his crew and himself as their leader?

• Sheep and their shepherd
• Ant-hills of powder with Ahab as their match
• Soldiers and their general
• Waves following the moon

What famous image does Ahab use to describe the inevitability of his purpose?

• A river flowing to the sea
• A path laid with iron rails whereon his soul is grooved to run
• A moth drawn to flame
• An arrow loosed from a bow

How does Ahab characterize his own madness?

• He denies being mad at all
• He says he is demoniac and madness maddened
• He says it is a temporary illness
• He blames it on Moby Dick's curse

True or False: In Chapter 37, Ahab expresses regret for manipulating his crew and considers abandoning his quest.

True or False: Ahab references a prophecy that foretold he would be dismembered.

In this chapter, what does "turbid" mean in the phrase "I leave a white and turbid wake"?

• Calm and smooth
• Cloudy and opaque
• Brightly colored
• Frozen solid

What does "galls" mean when Ahab says "the jagged edge galls me so"?

• Delights
• Irritates or chafes
• Freezes
• Strengthens

What are "pugilists" as Ahab uses the term to taunt the gods?

• Musicians
• Priests
• Boxers or fighters
• Merchants