View a FREE sample

This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 11.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What is a mutiny?
(a) A traditional sailor's dance.
(b) A legal election process in which the captain of a vessel is replaced.
(c) When subordinate sailors attempt to illegally sieze control of a ship.
(d) A trial held at sea by the capain and three officers.

2. Which types of books does Captain Vere prefer?
(a) Technical manuals and Mathematical theorems.
(b) Shakespearean dramas and Romance novels.
(c) Biography, History and Classical authors.
(d) Greek mythology and seafaring stories.

3. What is Captain Vere's nickname?
(a) Starry Vere.
(b) Gentleman Vere.
(c) The Stalwart.
(d) Verdi.

4. What is John Claggart's responsibility on board the ship?
(a) To be responsible for the ship's cargo and crew.
(b) To maintain order on the lower gun decks.
(c) To handle the sails on the foremast.
(d) To plan the day's work and assign tasks to the deck crew.

5. Why does Billy join the British navy?
(a) His father is a naval Captain.
(b) He wants to defend his country.
(c) His best friend is joining up and convinces him to follow.
(d) He is conscripted into service.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Melville claim that certain men are morally depraved?

2. What often causes a mutiny?

3. In chapter four, which sailor is hailed as the greatest of all time?

4. Which types of historical figures are often compared to Billy?

5. What is Billy and Claggart's relationship like after they begin working together on the Bellipotent?

(see the answer key)

This section contains 310 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample