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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which ship does the Bellipotent engage in chapter 28?
(a) The Rights-of-Man.
(b) The Athiest.
(c) The Theseus.
(d) The Agamemnon.

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

3. Which two characters are Claggart's messmates?
(a) Captain Vere and the master-at-arms.
(b) The armorer and the captain of the hold.
(c) The master-at-arms and the chief mate.
(d) The chief mate and the bosun.

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

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

6. Who is allowed to communicate with Billy in chapter 23?
(a) Lieutenant Ratcliffe.
(b) The Dansker.
(c) Red Whiskers.
(d) The chaplain.

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

8. What does the chaplain give Billy in chapter 24?
(a) A cross.
(b) A kiss on the cheek.
(c) A bible.
(d) A medal of honor.

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

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

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

12. How does Billy react to his impending doom?
(a) By crying loudly.
(b) With anger.
(c) He curses.
(d) Calmly.

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

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does the crew assemble together in chapter 25?

2. When is Billy due to be executed?

3. Whom do the officers want to contact?

4. What does the chaplain feel is better than religion for facing judgment?

5. In chapter 17, how does Claggart react when he and Billy suddenly meet?

(see the answer keys)

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