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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. In chapter 18, which character reports suspicious behavior of a sailor to Captain Vere?
(a) John Claggart.
(b) Lieutenant Ratcliffe.
(c) The Dansker.
(d) Billy Budd.

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

3. Why doesn't the chaplain try to intervene on Billy's behalf?
(a) Because Billy does not talk to him.
(b) He feels that Billy deserves punishment.
(c) He is afraid of the captain.
(d) Military law is more powerful than his religious influence.

4. Who visits Billy in chapter 24?
(a) The chaplain.
(b) The Dansker.
(c) Red Whiskers.
(d) Lieutenant Ratcliffe.

5. What astonishes Captain Vere about the report he receives in chapter 18?
(a) Billy Budd is named as a conspirator.
(b) The albatross is sitting on the topmast.
(c) John Claggart is named as a conspirator.
(d) He thinks the Bellipotent is the fastest ship on the water.

6. Why does the Captain feel that Billy must be punished?
(a) To prevent a mutiny.
(b) Because someone must pay for Claggart's death.
(c) Because Billy is a malicious murderer.
(d) The captain is trying to cover up his own mistakes.

7. Who prepares Billy's body for burial?
(a) The sailors on deck.
(b) Members of the drumhead court.
(c) The chaplain.
(d) Captain Vere.

8. Where is John Claggart buried?
(a) At sea.
(b) England.
(c) The coast of Timon.
(d) The isle of Mann.

9. How does Meville characterize Billy?
(a) Angry and vengeful.
(b) Deceptive and untrustworthy.
(c) Innocent and child-like.
(d) Fearful and timid.

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

11. Who encourages the court to consider the death penalty during Billy's trial?
(a) Captain Vere.
(b) The captain of marines.
(c) The master-at-arms.
(d) The first lieutenant

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

13. Where does Captain Vere send Billy after Claggart's death?
(a) To the crow's nest.
(b) To the brig.
(c) To a stateroom.
(d) To the kitchen.

14. Why does Billy hesitate when asked about his knowledge of a potential insurrection?
(a) He feels guilty about his involvement.
(b) He fears the afterguardsman kills him.
(c) He does not want to tattle on a fellow crew member.
(d) He is afraid he stutters.

15. Why doesn't the surgeon question the captain's orders?
(a) He fears the captain might shoot him.
(b) He has great respect for the captain.
(c) Disobeying orders is mutiny.
(d) He is dim-witted and cannot see any problem.

Short Answer Questions

1. To what famous item does Melville compare the sacred item from the Bellipotent?

2. Where is Billy confined in chapter 24?

3. Who is allowed to communicate with Billy in chapter 23?

4. How does Claggart die?

5. Where does the crew assemble in chapter 25?

(see the answer keys)

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