Question

CHARACTERS:
FRANCESCA
ANDRE

Stage Set: After having spent months researching and tracking the migration pattern of a special type of pelican that flies from coast to coast and briefly stops for respite in the lake of a small mountain town several hours away from the city, Francesca and Andre are now hiding among the reeds surrounding the lake, cameras at the ready, hoping to see and photograph the pelican for extra credit in biology class.

FRANCESCA: (stretching her arms and yawning) We've been at this for hours, Andre, when do you think that pelican will appear?
ANDRE: (reviewing his research notes) It should be any time now, according to our research, which clearly indicates that the pelican migrates through this one park from mid-June through the end of June. It's gotta stop to rest soon, right?
FRANCESCA: (speaking with exasperation and then annoyance) Honestly, if this bird doesn't show up soon, I'm going to scream! We've been tracking this feathered demon for months, making maps, monitoring weather patterns, using bird-watching data, images and video to see where it is, and now, after all our hard work, that disagreeable fowl is nowhere to be found.
ANDRE: (watching the sun begin to set) Well, it's going to be dark soon, and we're both obviously exhausted by the months we've spent planning and the days we've spent watching from the shadows of these dried-out reeds, so lets' head back to camp and try again tomorrow. Hopefully, we'll have better luck in the morning. (begins packing up their items)
FRANCESCA: (excitedly pointing) Wait, Andre, what's that large, dark shape swooping down from the northern corner of the lake?
ANDRE: (taking out his camera and zooming in to where Francesca is pointing) It's the pelican! Quick, Francesca, get out your camera and track where it's going to land—we need it to get closer to get a clear picture.
FRANCESCA: (taking out her camera and tracking the pelican to where it lands in the center of the lake) Got it! A perfect photo, check it out! (Andre looks at the photo and smiles). We'll definitely get that extra credit now!
2
Moby Dick is a novel by Herman Melville in which Captain Ahab pursues a white whale named Moby Dick that injured his leg. Ahab eventually locates the whale but is unable to catch him.

Which statement best describes how the author of "The Pelican" draws upon and transforms the classic novel?

A.
Both are about pursuing a worthwhile goal. However, in "The Pelican," Andre and Francesca are motivated purely by their annoyance with the bird.
B.
Both are about facing a challenge. However, in "The Pelican," Francesca and Andre remain untroubled as they face each obstacle.
C.
Both are about seeking a mysterious creature. However, the characters in "The Pelican" only want to take pictures whereas Ahab wants to take revenge.
D.
Both are about an obsession with an unusual animal. However, the characters in "The Pelican" finally find their quarry whereas Captain Ahab eventually gives up his search.

Answer 1

C

Both works center on seeking a mysterious creature, but the students’ goal is scientific/academic (photographing the pelican for extra credit) while Ahab’s pursuit of Moby Dick is driven by personal vengeance.