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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 20.

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. What is a possible cause for Claggart's behavior towards Billy?
(a) Hope.
(b) Fear.
(c) Envy.
(d) Greed.

3. What attitude does Captain Vere gain from his studies?
(a) The penchant for waxing philosophical while on deck.
(b) Very firm convictions and a slightly pedantic outlook.
(c) An air of superiority about the technical aspects of the ship.
(d) An unhealthy interest in omens and the supernatural.

4. Who is Squeak?
(a) The bosun.
(b) Claggart's secret accomplice.
(c) The ship's cook.
(d) Claggart's pet mouse.

5. How does Melville characterize sailors in general?
(a) Irritable and aggressive.
(b) Childlike and trusting.
(c) Lazy and stupid.
(d) Deceptive and vicious.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Billy's one weakness?

2. Whom do the officers want to contact?

3. Why is Billy on the uppermost deck in chapter 14?

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

5. In chapter two, how does Billy react to his new shipmates?

(see the answer key)

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