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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 23.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. How is John Claggart's appearance described in chapter eight?
(a) Dark and swarthy with long black hair.
(b) Handsome and strong with blue eyes and blond hair.
(c) Pale and effeminate with curly black hair.
(d) Pale and fat with dark red hair.

2. In chapter 15, which character is Billy's confidant?
(a) Red Whiskers.
(b) The Dansker.
(c) John Claggart.
(d) Lieutenant Ratcliffe.

3. When is Billy due to be executed?
(a) At midnight.
(b) After a legal trial on shore.
(c) In the early morning watch.
(d) As soon as the ship lands.

4. What is a "cat's paw"?
(a) The joint between the mainsail and the topsail.
(b) Slang for an anchor.
(c) A part of a cat.
(d) A person who does another's dirty work.

5. What does Captain Vere tell his crew in chapter 23?
(a) Billy Budd is murdered.
(b) The admiral is on board for a surprise inspection.
(c) A sailor is executed for murdering the master-at-arms.
(d) Billy Budd jumps overboard.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why is John Claggart's background a mystery to the crew?

2. Who is allowed to communicate with Billy in chapter 23?

3. In chapter 15, what does Billy think he should report to the captain?

4. How does the sailor Billy threatened in chapter 14 react to Billy in chapter 15?

5. What is John Claggart's position on the ship?

(see the answer key)

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