View a FREE sample

This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Who is Billy's father?
(a) Captain Bligh.
(b) George Budd, a merchant sailor.
(c) He is a foundling, and doesn't know his father.
(d) Captain Graveling.

2. What is Billy'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.

3. Who commands the Bellipotent in chapter six?
(a) Captain Bligh.
(b) Captain Graveling.
(c) Admiral Nelson.
(d) Captain Vere.

4. When does the incident in chapter 10 occur?
(a) Breakfast.
(b) Midnight.
(c) Lunchtime.
(d) Evening.

5. What does Billy never do before?
(a) Tell a lie.
(b) Be associated with evil.
(c) Speak to the captain.
(d) Swim.

6. What decoration marks the Victory's quarterdeck?
(a) A crescent moon.
(b) An albatross.
(c) A star.
(d) A medallion.

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

8. Which character is considered by others to be the most attractive in every aspect?
(a) Billy Budd.
(b) John Claggart.
(c) Lieutenant Ratcliffe.
(d) Captain Vere.

9. What is Captain Vere cited for in West Indian waters?
(a) Cruelty.
(b) Gallantry.
(c) Valor.
(d) Piracy.

10. What does another sailor try to give Billy in chapter 14?
(a) Money.
(b) The wrong rope.
(c) Papers.
(d) A package of dates.

11. Why does Melville claim that certain men are morally depraved?
(a) Because they are not entirely sane.
(b) Because cruel treatment breeds cruelty.
(c) Because their licentious behavior makes them depraved.
(d) Because they are forced into depravity by their living conditions.

12. What elements of ship's life are mirrored in the world outside the ship?
(a) Storms are balanced with calm days.
(b) People only obey when forced to do so.
(c) Life is unfair.
(d) Terror rules the masses.

13. How do Captain Vere's officers view their commander's personality?
(a) Relaxed and friendly.
(b) Obnoxious and temperamental..
(c) Dry and bookish.
(d) Paranoid and superstitious

14. When does the Spithead mutiny occur?
(a) April of 1797.
(b) August of 1697.
(c) September of 1897.
(d) January of 1924.

15. Why is Billy on the uppermost deck in chapter 14?
(a) He is mending the topsail.
(b) He is smoking.
(c) He is on watch.
(d) He is sleeping.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is Billy's position on the ship?

2. How old is Billy?

3. In chapter 14, what does Billy say to the sailor?

4. What uncomfortable incident occurs in chapter 10?

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

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 458 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample