View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which character is the hammock-boy sent to find in chapter 18?
(a) John Claggart.
(b) The Dansker.
(c) Billy Budd.
(d) Lieutenant Ratcliffe.

2. In chapter 20, what does the surgeon want to do?
(a) Have a stiff drink.
(b) Follow standard procedure.
(c) Leave the ship.
(d) Bury Claggart at sea.

3. Why does the crew of the Bellipotent save pieces of the sacred item?
(a) To honor Captain Vere.
(b) To worship.
(c) They don't think Billy is capable of murder or mutiny.
(d) They believe it prevents mutiny.

4. Which country does the rival ship in chapter 28 represent?
(a) France.
(b) Spain.
(c) Germany.
(d) Italy.

5. In chapter 25, what does the crew cry in unison?
(a) "Let him go!"
(b) "Handsome is as handsome does it, too!"
(c) "God bless Captain Vere!"
(d) "Handsomely done, my lad!"

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

7. How is Billy's body prepared for burial?
(a) It is stuffed into a canvas sack.
(b) It is placed in a pine box.
(c) It is wrapped in his hammock.
(d) It is wrapped in the torn topsail.

8. 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) Military law is more powerful than his religious influence.
(d) He is afraid of the captain.

9. Who is a part of the drumhead court in chapter 21?
(a) The first lieutenant, the captain of marines and the master-at-arms.
(b) The first lieutenant, the master-at-arms, and the chief mate.
(c) The first lieutenant, the captain of marines, and the sailing master.
(d) The chief mate, the master-at-arms, and a boatswain.

10. Melville compares Billy's death to the death of which other person?
(a) Admiral Nelson.
(b) Claggart.
(c) Captain Bligh.
(d) Jesus.

11. To what famous item does Melville compare the sacred item from the Bellipotent?
(a) The cross.
(b) The Bible.
(c) The Queen's crown.
(d) The Star of David.

12. To what does Melville attribute the general attitude of most sailors?
(a) Their lives are always controlled.
(b) They must assume control of their lives at an early age.
(c) The sea attacts the worst types of individuals.
(d) Living in close quarters warps a person's character.

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

14. What are Captain Vere's last words?
(a) "Billy Budd."
(b) "Handsomely done, my lad!"
(c) "Handsome is as handsome does it."
(d) "God bless Captain Vere."

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

Short Answer Questions

1. To what do most of the crew attribute the odd circumstances surrounding Billy's death?

2. Why does Billy hesitate when asked about his knowledge of a potential insurrection?

3. Which ship does the Bellipotent engage in chapter 28?

4. What does Billy cry out a moment before his punishment is carried out?

5. How does Melville characterize sailors in general?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 548 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample