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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why is Billy reprimanded in chapter nine?
(a) He is caught eating in the crow's nest.
(b) He falls asleep while on watch.
(c) Someone is playing tricks on him that get him in trouble.
(d) He knocks over a full bucket in front of the captain.

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

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

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

5. 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

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

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

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

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

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

11. Where does the first recorded mutiny of the British Navy occur?
(a) Spithead.
(b) Brighton.
(c) Timor.
(d) Nore.

12. Which famous character does the Victory's quarterdeck decoration commemorate?
(a) Captain Graveling.
(b) Captain Vere.
(c) Admiral Nelson.
(d) Captain Bligh.

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

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is Billy's father?

2. How do Captain Vere's officers view their commander's seafaring skills?

3. What is Captain Vere's nickname?

4. Why is John Claggart's background a mystery to the crew?

5. Which battle does the Victory's quarterdeck decoration commemorate?

(see the answer keys)

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