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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 29.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which character is known for his simplicity and naiveté?
(a) Captain Vere.
(b) Billy Budd.
(c) John Claggart.
(d) Lieutenant Ratcliffe.

2. What does the Bellipotent chase in chapter 18?
(a) An enemy frigate.
(b) An enemy merchant ship.
(c) An albatross.
(d) A school of dolphins.

3. Why is John Claggart's background a mystery to the crew?
(a) He receives mysterious letters that he burns after reading.
(b) He appears to have noble bearing and enters naval service later in life.
(c) He becomes very nervous and quiet around authority figures.
(d) He never talks to anyone about his past.

4. How do the other sailors react to Claggart in chapter 10?
(a) They laugh the incident off as a joke.
(b) They are fearfully silent.
(c) They erupt into a violent melee.
(d) They quickly man their stations.

5. Which character does Squeak create lies about?
(a) Billy.
(b) Lieutenant Ratcliffe.
(c) Claggart.
(d) Captain Vere.

Short Answer Questions

1. What concerns the officers in chapter 20?

2. Who is Squeak?

3. What causes Billy to lose his voice on occasion?

4. To what does Melville attribute the general attitude of most sailors?

5. What does Captain Vere tell the surgeon to call?

(see the answer key)

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