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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. What is unusual about Billy's death?
(a) His hair turns completely white.
(b) His body does not spasm.
(c) His eyes do not close.
(d) He dies smiling.

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

4. Why does the captain ask Claggart to confront Billy?
(a) To see if Claggart is brave enough for promotion.
(b) Because he is afraid of Billy.
(c) To see which man is telling the truth.
(d) Confronting Billy breaks the captain's heart.

5. Who tells Billy of his sentence?
(a) Lieutenant Ratcliffe.
(b) Captain Vere.
(c) The valet.
(d) The admiral.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

14. What does Captain Vere tell the surgeon to call?
(a) Admiral Nelson.
(b) Revelry.
(c) A drumhead court.
(d) To arms.

15. In chapter 17, how does Claggart react when he and Billy suddenly meet?
(a) He clears his throat and looks down.
(b) He moves aside and nods hello.
(c) He does not acknowledge Billy's presence.
(d) His eyes flash and his face reddens.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which country does the rival ship in chapter 28 represent?

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

3. Whom do the officers want to contact?

4. Who witnesses Billy's funeral?

5. How does Billy respond to Claggart's accusation?

(see the answer keys)

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