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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. In which article are the events on the Bellipotent published?
(a) "A Tale from the Royal Navy."
(b) "News from the Mediterranean."
(c) "Mutiny on the High Seas."
(d) "Insurrection Prevented."

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

4. How does Captain Vere appear after he leaves Billy in chapter 22?
(a) Resigned to fate.
(b) Sad.
(c) Happy.
(d) Nonchalant.

5. How does Melville characterize sailors in general?
(a) Childlike and trusting.
(b) Irritable and aggressive.
(c) Lazy and stupid.
(d) Deceptive and vicious.

6. What does the chaplain feel is better than religion for facing judgment?
(a) Hope.
(b) Innocence.
(c) Truth.
(d) Peace.

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

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

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

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

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

12. What sentence does the court render in chapter 23?
(a) Confinement.
(b) Keelhauling.
(c) Death.
(d) Flogging.

13. What is "Billy in the Darbies"?
(a) A sculpture honoring Billy's memory.
(b) A painting honoring Billy's memory.
(c) A ballad honoring Billy's memory.
(d) An article on Billy's planned mutiny.

14. Which animals appear at Billy's funeral?
(a) A flock of seagulls.
(b) A pair of albatross.
(c) A school of sharks.
(d) A school of dolphins.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What is one explanation given for the odd nature of Billy's death?

2. Which two characters begin to suspect Billy of wrongdoing?

3. According to Melville, what makes sailors different from non-sailors?

4. Melville compares Billy's death to the death of which other person?

5. Which two characters are Claggart's messmates?

(see the answer keys)

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