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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why do personalities seem clash more aboard a ship?
(a) Sailors are usually tempremental in nature.
(b) Weeks of seasickness makes the crew irritable.
(c) The stress of working for a harsh captain makes the crew irate.
(d) Sailors live in close quarters for long periods of time.

2. What does Andrew Marvell create that commemorates Captain Vere?
(a) A medallion.
(b) A sculpture.
(c) A bawdy tavern song.
(d) A poem.

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

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

5. 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.

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

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

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

9. What event occurring on land mirrors a naval mutiny?
(a) A revolution.
(b) A democratic election.
(c) A trial.
(d) A public execution.

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

11. How does John Claggart earn his promotions?
(a) Through a series of bribes.
(b) He blackmails his superiors.
(c) Unbeknownst to the crew, he is related to the captian.
(d) Through his exemplary behavior and austere patriotism.

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

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

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What is a mutiny?

2. Which two characters are contrasted in chapter 12?

3. What nickname does Billy's older friend give him?

4. Which character is described in chapter 11 as being "down" on Billy?

5. How old is Billy?

(see the answer keys)

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