Chapter 4 - The Counterpane Quiz — Moby-Dick; or, The Whale

What does Ishmael find when he wakes up at the start of Chapter 4?

• Queequeg is already dressed and gone
• Queequeg's arm is thrown over him in an embrace
• The room has been rearranged during the night
• Queequeg is sharpening his harpoon on the bed

Why does Queequeg's arm blend visually with the counterpane?

• Both are the same shade of brown leather
• The tattoos on his arm match the patchwork quilt's multi-colored pattern
• The quilt is made from tattooed animal skins
• Ishmael's vision is blurred from sleep

Why was young Ishmael sent to bed early in the childhood flashback?

• He refused to do his schoolwork
• He was caught trying to crawl up the chimney
• He broke a valuable piece of china
• He stayed out past curfew playing in the streets

On what date does the childhood flashback take place?

• December 25th, Christmas Day
• March 21st, the vernal equinox
• June 21st, the summer solstice
• October 31st, Halloween

What supernatural experience does young Ishmael have while in bed?

• He hears ghostly voices whispering his name
• He sees a phantom figure standing in the doorway
• He feels an invisible hand placed in his own
• He watches the furniture rearrange itself

What item of clothing does Queequeg put on first when dressing?

• His trousers
• His waistcoat
• His tall beaver hat
• His pilot monkey jacket

How does Melville describe Queequeg's cultural state in this chapter?

• A fully civilized gentleman adapting to sea life
• Neither caterpillar nor butterfly, a creature in transition
• A noble savage untouched by Western influence
• A rebel rejecting both native and Western customs

Queequeg shaves his face using the sharpened head of his harpoon.

Ishmael's biological mother is the one who punishes him in the childhood flashback.

In this chapter, what does the word "ablutions" mean?

• Prayers recited before meals
• The act of washing oneself
• Formal greetings between strangers
• Punishments given to children

What does "expostulations" mean as used in this chapter?

• Dramatic physical gestures
• Quiet whispers of disapproval
• Earnest protests or remonstrances
• Expressions of deep gratitude

What is an "overture" as Ishmael uses it to describe Queequeg's behavior?

• A musical performance before a show
• A dramatic gesture of surrender
• An opening move toward a new relationship
• A formal apology for wrongdoing