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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What concerns the surgeon in chapter 20?
(a) The wounds to Billy's hand.
(b) The manner in which Claggart dies suddenly.
(c) The manner in which the captain is handling Claggart's death.
(d) The morale of the crew.

2. How does the article about the Bellipotent view Billy's death?
(a) As an unfortunate side effect of the keelhauling.
(b) As proof of his guilt.
(c) As a justifiable punishment.
(d) As proof of his weakness.

3. According to Melville, what makes sailors different from non-sailors?
(a) Sailors are more trusting.
(b) Sailors have more freedom.
(c) Sailors do not trust others easily.
(d) Sailors are natural liars.

4. What does Captain Vere tell his crew in chapter 23?
(a) Billy Budd is murdered.
(b) A sailor is executed for murdering the master-at-arms.
(c) Billy Budd jumps overboard.
(d) The admiral is on board for a surprise inspection.

5. How does Billy react to his impending doom?
(a) By crying loudly.
(b) He curses.
(c) Calmly.
(d) With anger.

6. What concerns the officers in chapter 20?
(a) The morale of the crew.
(b) The manner in which the captain is handling Claggart's death.
(c) The manner in which Claggart dies suddenly.
(d) The impending storms on the horizon.

7. Who is the only witness in the trial?
(a) The captain.
(b) Claggart.
(c) Billy Budd.
(d) The valet.

8. Which two groups of people does Melville compare in chapter 16?
(a) Officers and Deckhands.
(b) Men and Women.
(c) Army soldiers and Naval sailors.
(d) Sailors and Landsmen.

9. Where is Billy buried?
(a) On the shores of Timor.
(b) In England.
(c) On the Isle of Mann.
(d) At sea.

10. What does Billy cry out a moment before his punishment is carried out?
(a) "God bless Captain Vere!"
(b) "Handsomely done, my lads!"
(c) "Why has thou forsaken me?"
(d) "Be aware, all ye sinners!"

11. What item from the Bellipotent becomes sacred to the crew?
(a) The torn topsail.
(b) The medallion.
(c) The jib.
(d) The spar.

12. In the article about the Bellipotent, how is John Claggart presented?
(a) As a foreigner who is conscripted into the navy.
(b) As an honest, hard working victim.
(c) As a misunderstood officer.
(d) As a hero who discovers a mutinous plot.

13. What does one of Billy's fellow sailors create as a tribute to his fallen shipmate?
(a) A plaque.
(b) A sculpture.
(c) A medallion.
(d) A poem.

14. In chapter 23, when is the crew called together?
(a) At dogwatch.
(b) An hour before dogwatch.
(c) An hour past dogwatch.
(d) At sunset.

15. To which biblical figure does Melville compare Claggart?
(a) Peter.
(b) A Pharisee.
(c) Judas.
(d) Jesus.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where does Captain Vere send Billy after Claggart's death?

2. What is unusual about Billy's death?

3. Which two characters are Claggart's messmates?

4. How does Meville characterize Billy?

5. Why doesn't the surgeon question the captain's orders?

(see the answer keys)

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