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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What event occurs after Billy's funeral?
(a) A shipwreck.
(b) A mutiny.
(c) The customary morning religious service.
(d) An attack by a Spanish frigate.

2. What happens to Captain Vere after he is wounded?
(a) He remains on the island.
(b) He is court-martialed.
(c) He survives, but never commands another vessel.
(d) He dies.

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

4. 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 sailing master.
(c) The chief mate, the master-at-arms, and a boatswain.
(d) The first lieutenant, the captain of marines and the master-at-arms.

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

6. Where is Billy buried?
(a) In England.
(b) At sea.
(c) On the Isle of Mann.
(d) On the shores of Timor.

7. Where does the crew assemble in chapter 25?
(a) On the mainyard.
(b) Below decks.
(c) In the galley.
(d) On the shore.

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

9. To what do most of the crew attribute the odd circumstances surrounding Billy's death?
(a) The weather.
(b) No logical explanation is found.
(c) Mythical sea creatures.
(d) Supernatural forces.

10. What is standard procedure in the event of a suspected murder at sea?
(a) Confine the accused and contact the admiral.
(b) Allow the crew to deal with the accused.
(c) Ice the victim and flog the accused.
(d) Call a court of officers, render and carry out judgement.

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

12. How does Captain Vere treat Billy in chapter 22?
(a) He breates his behavior.
(b) With contempt.
(c) He ignores Billy's presence.
(d) With compassion.

13. 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.

14. What concerns the officers in chapter 20?
(a) The morale of the crew.
(b) The manner in which the captain is handling Claggart's death.
(c) The impending storms on the horizon.
(d) The manner in which Claggart dies suddenly.

15. What does Billy cry out a moment before his punishment is carried out?
(a) "Why has thou forsaken me?"
(b) "God bless Captain Vere!"
(c) "Be aware, all ye sinners!"
(d) "Handsomely done, my lads!"

Short Answer Questions

1. Which two characters are Claggart's messmates?

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

3. What is a drumhead court?

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

5. What hits Captain Vere in chapter 28?

(see the answer keys)

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