View a FREE sample

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 chief mate and the bosun.
(b) Captain Vere and the master-at-arms.
(c) The armorer and the captain of the hold.
(d) The master-at-arms and the chief mate.

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

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

4. What does the Bellipotent chase in chapter 18?
(a) An albatross.
(b) An enemy merchant ship.
(c) A school of dolphins.
(d) An enemy frigate.

5. Why does the Captain feel that Billy must be punished?
(a) To prevent a mutiny.
(b) The captain is trying to cover up his own mistakes.
(c) Because Billy is a malicious murderer.
(d) Because someone must pay for Claggart's death.

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

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

8. What time is dogwatch?
(a) 3:00 a.m.
(b) 6:00 a.m.
(c) 3:00 p.m.
(d) 6:00 p.m.

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

10. In chapter 18, which character does the captain consider promoting?
(a) John Claggart.
(b) The Dansker.
(c) Lieutenant Ratcliffe.
(d) Billy Budd.

11. Why does the crew assemble together in chapter 25?
(a) To witness a flogging.
(b) To witness a keelhauling.
(c) To witness an execution.
(d) To protest Billy's punishment.

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

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

14. 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.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What are Captain Vere's last words?

2. Who witnesses Billy's funeral?

3. What hits Captain Vere in chapter 28?

4. Who tells Billy of his sentence?

5. Which character becomes very friendly towards Billy in chapter 17?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 509 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample