"Ishmael" by Daniel Quinn Trivia Quiz

Answer: An Adventure of Mind and Spirit

"An Adventure of Mind and Spirit" is the perfect subtitle for this novel. The information carried within the parable of the story is astoundingly edifying. The insight with which Quinn explores our cultural principals is illuminating.

Answer: He is an anonymous narrator

In the sequel, "My Ishmael", we learn that his name is Alan Lomax. Alan becomes Ishmael's pupil and begins his journey into the depths of our cultural doctrine so that he may discover new things about himself and the world around him.

Answer: Save the world

The add concludes "Apply in person." The wording of the ad upsets Alan somewhat. The indignant nature of the ad is what draws him to check it out for himself and try to find out just exactly who this teacher is and what knowledge he could possess that could possibly "save the world".

Answer: 105

The dilapidated building called the Fairfield was not what Alan had expected. When he arrived the room appeared to be empty except the presence of a chair and a bookshelf. Upon closer inspection Alan notices much, much more.

Answer: With Man Gone, Will There Be Hope For Gorilla?

Coupled with the presence of the real life gorilla, Alan interprets the sign to be a statement exemplified by the captive gorilla. He thought Ishmael was nothing more than an animate illustration of the message displayed on the poster. He is soon proved wrong.

Answer: Takers

The name "Takers" originates from the group of people who approximately 10,000 years ago decided to "take" their welfare into their own hands and start farming full time to survive rather than forage for food like all other humans of the time. According to our culture this event is often referred to as the "agricultural revolution".

Answer: The Maieutic method

A maieutic teacher is one who acts as a midwife to their students. They help their pupils to draw the knowledge they seek out of their own ideas without actually interfering or giving answers directly to them. This method of exchange between Alan and Ishmael is one of the reasons the dialogue of the novel is so enveloping.

Answer: Rachel Sokolow

Walter Sokolow took Ishmael from the zoo where he lived and built him a habitat at his home. His daughter Rachel became his protector after Walter died in 1985.

Answer: The Darryl Hicks Carnival

After tracking Ishmael down at the Carnival, Alan and Ishmael attempt to finish the work they had started in room 105. Of course the patrons at the zoo find Alan a bit peculiar, for he is sitting next to a cage and having numerous conversations with a thousand pound gorilla.

Answer: With Gorilla Gone, Will There Be Hope For Man?

This new line on the poster introduced in the beginning of the story exemplifies Ishmael's message for his pupils. If you haven't already read them check out "My Ishmael", "The Story of B" and "Beyond Civilization" for the continuation of Daniel Quinn's and Ishmael's message. I hope you enjoyed my quiz.