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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which two characters begin to suspect Billy of wrongdoing?
(a) The master-at-arms and the chief mate.
(b) The armorer and the captain of the hold.
(c) The chief mate and the bosun.
(d) Captain Vere and the master-at-arms.

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

3. 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 hero who discovers a mutinous plot.
(d) As a misunderstood officer.

4. What odd weather appears the moment of Billy's death?
(a) A green sky.
(b) A rumbling storm.
(c) A vapory fleece.
(d) Heat lightning.

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

6. How does the chase in chapter 18 end?
(a) The albatross lands on the topmast.
(b) The merchant ship surrenders.
(c) The dolphins submerge.
(d) The frigate escapes.

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

8. What is a drumhead court?
(a) An informal legal hearing held at sea.
(b) A formal legal hearing in the presence of an admiral.
(c) Slang for a meeting in the captain's quarters.
(d) Slang for a mob.

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

10. What is attributed to will power in chapter 26?
(a) The captain's decision to proceed with Billy's punishment.
(b) The admiral's decision to proceed with Billy's punishment.
(c) A man's decision to witness death and stay on board.
(d) The lack of death spasm in Billy's body.

11. According to the article about the Bellipotent, how is John Claggart murdered?
(a) He is hit by Billy Budd.
(b) He is poisoned by Billy Budd.
(c) He is stabbed by Billy Budd.
(d) He is strangled by Billy Budd.

12. Where are the real events that occur on the Bellipotent recorded?
(a) In top secret naval records.
(b) In Captain Vere's diary.
(c) In the memories of those who witness them.
(d) In the chaplain's diary.

13. Which character becomes very friendly towards Billy in chapter 17?
(a) The Dansker.
(b) The afterguardsman.
(c) John Claggart.
(d) Lieutenant Ratcliffe.

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What appears to end in chapter 17?

2. What event occurs after Billy's funeral?

3. Why doesn't the chaplain try to intervene on Billy's behalf?

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

5. In chapter 25, what does the crew cry in unison?

(see the answer keys)

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