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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

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

3. Which character is known for this neat, careful dress?
(a) John Claggart.
(b) Lieutenant Ratcliffe.
(c) Captain Vere.
(d) Billy Budd.

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

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

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) An empty bucket rolls down the gangplank and hits the captain.
(d) The topsail rips in a sudden gust of wind.

7. Why doesn't Captain Graveling want Billy to leave the ship?
(a) Billy is a natural peacemaker.
(b) He suspects Billy is plotting a mutiny.
(c) Billy often gets drunk when he goes on leave.
(d) He suspects Billy goes AWOL.

8. Which character is known for his malicious envy?
(a) Captain Vere.
(b) Lieutenant Ratcliffe.
(c) John Claggart.
(d) Billy Budd.

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

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

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

12. Which character is known for his cheerful disposition?
(a) Billy Budd.
(b) John Claggart.
(c) Lieutenant Ratcliffe.
(d) Captain Vere.

13. What is a mutiny?
(a) When subordinate sailors attempt to illegally sieze control of a ship.
(b) A legal election process in which the captain of a vessel is replaced.
(c) A trial held at sea by the capain and three officers.
(d) A traditional sailor's dance.

14. Why is John Claggart's background a mystery to the crew?
(a) He appears to have noble bearing and enters naval service later in life.
(b) He becomes very nervous and quiet around authority figures.
(c) He never talks to anyone about his past.
(d) He receives mysterious letters that he burns after reading.

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

Short Answer Questions

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

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

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

4. Why does Melville claim that certain men are morally depraved?

5. Why does Billy join the British navy?

(see the answer keys)

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