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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What causes Billy to lose his voice on occasion?
(a) An odd genetic malfunction.
(b) Stress.
(c) Fear.
(d) Illness.

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

3. What does the sailor in chapter 14 want Billy to join?
(a) A special forces troop.
(b) A chess club.
(c) His ministry.
(d) A mutiny.

4. How does Claggart respond to the incident in chapter 10?
(a) He is silent.
(b) "The fates are agin' us!"
(c) "Handsomely done, my lad!"
(d) "You fool!"

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

6. Which character does Squeak play tricks on?
(a) Claggart.
(b) Captain Vere.
(c) Lieutenant Ratcliffe.
(d) Billy.

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

8. What does Billy threaten to do to the sailor in chapter 14?
(a) Give him a hug.
(b) Stab him with a paring knife.
(c) Throw him overboard.
(d) Tie him up.

9. How is discipline maintained on the Bellipotent?
(a) Through a monetary system of rewards and penalties.
(b) In a relaxed fashion, almost too relaxed for Admiral Nelson.
(c) Strictly, but with fair consideration to the welfare of the sailors.
(d) With unnecessary cruelty.

10. How old is Jon Claggart when he enters the Navy?
(a) 65.
(b) 35.
(c) 21.
(d) 42.

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

12. What is the greatest fear in the British Navy?
(a) A tsunami.
(b) Losing the sextant.
(c) Mutiny.
(d) Capsizing.

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

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

15. Who is Red Whiskers?
(a) The Captain of the HMS Bellipotent.
(b) The ship's cat.
(c) The Captain of the Rights-of-Man
(d) Billy's big, shaggy red-haired friend.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which character is known for his simplicity and naiveté?

2. Who is Squeak?

3. Which character remains cheerful, despite clandestine attempts of persecution?

4. In chapter 14, how does Billy react to the sailor's request?

5. How is John Claggart's appearance described in chapter eight?

(see the answer keys)

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