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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Who is Billy Budd?
(a) A young fair-skinned, blue eyed foretopman.
(b) A young native African who dresses in colorful clothes.
(c) The captain of the HMS Bellipotent.
(d) A thief and troublemaker.

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

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

4. How does Admiral Nelson keep his sailors under control?
(a) Terrorizing them into submission.
(b) Bribing them.
(c) The threat of death.
(d) By winning their admiration.

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. What uncomfortable incident occurs in chapter 10?
(a) Soup is spilled when the ship lurches.
(b) The entire crew is disciplined for one sailor's error.
(c) The topsail rips in a sudden gust of wind.
(d) An empty bucket rolls down the gangplank and hits the captain.

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

8. How does Billy react to Claggart in chapter 10?
(a) He thinks Claggart likes him.
(b) He runs to the captain.
(c) He begins to curse and shout at Claggart.
(d) He hits Claggart in the face.

9. How old is Billy?
(a) 16.
(b) 21.
(c) 28.
(d) 17.

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

11. 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.

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

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

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Which character is considered by others to be the most attractive in every aspect?

2. What is Billy's responsibility on board the ship?

3. What is Billy and Claggart's relationship like after they begin working together on the Bellipotent?

4. Which mutiny is discussed in chapter five?

5. Who is responsible for the tricks being played on Billy?

(see the answer keys)

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