View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which country is described as ruling the seas?
(a) Germany.
(b) The United States.
(c) Timor.
(d) England.

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

3. How do Captain Vere's officers view their commander's seafaring skills?
(a) Riddled with inconsistencies.
(b) Average.
(c) Poor.
(d) Superior.

4. What is Billy's position on the ship?
(a) Chief Mate.
(b) Foretopman.
(c) Boatswain.
(d) Master-at-arms.

5. What nickname does Billy's older friend give him?
(a) Billy Boy.
(b) Prince William.
(c) Baby Budd.
(d) Beauty.

6. Which battle does the Victory's quarterdeck decoration commemorate?
(a) Spithead.
(b) Nore.
(c) Trafalgar.
(d) Timor.

7. What event motivates Billy to excel in his duties?
(a) A hanging.
(b) A scourging.
(c) His promotion.
(d) A keelhauling.

8. What is Captain Vere's favorite hobby?
(a) Reading.
(b) Chess.
(c) Shuffleboard.
(d) Sailing.

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

10. Which mutiny is referred to as "the Great Mutiny"?
(a) Timor.
(b) Spithead.
(c) Brighton.
(d) Nore.

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

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

13. Which two characters are contrasted in chapter 12?
(a) Billy and Claggart.
(b) Captain Vere and Lieutenant Ratcliffe.
(c) Captain Vere and Claggart.
(d) The Dansker and Red Whiskers.

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

15. In chapter 14, how does Billy react to the sailor's request?
(a) He is angry.
(b) He is curious.
(c) He is excited.
(d) He is frightened.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. How does Claggart respond to the incident in chapter 10?

3. Who is Billy's father?

4. How old is Billy?

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

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 406 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample