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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

2. 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.

3. What is a drumhead court?
(a) Slang for a meeting in the captain's quarters.
(b) An informal legal hearing held at sea.
(c) A formal legal hearing in the presence of an admiral.
(d) Slang for a mob.

4. In chapter 16, what does Billy refuse to believe?
(a) That the Bellipotent can sink.
(b) That Claggart is behind the mischief that plagues him.
(c) That Captain Vere is corrupt.
(d) That Lieutenant Ratcliffe is behind the mischief that plagues him.

5. In chapter 20, what does the surgeon want to do?
(a) Have a stiff drink.
(b) Follow standard procedure.
(c) Bury Claggart at sea.
(d) Leave the ship.

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

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

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

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

10. Where does Captain Vere send Billy after Claggart's death?
(a) To a stateroom.
(b) To the crow's nest.
(c) To the brig.
(d) To the kitchen.

11. Where is Billy confined in chapter 24?
(a) Between two guns.
(b) In the cargo hold.
(c) In the captain's stateroom.
(d) In the brig.

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

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

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

15. What hits Captain Vere in chapter 28?
(a) A falling spar.
(b) A musket ball.
(c) A wayward jib.
(d) A dagger.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where are the real events that occur on the Bellipotent recorded?

2. Where is John Claggart buried?

3. Why does the Captain feel that Billy must be punished?

4. In the article about the Bellipotent, how is Billy Budd presented?

5. How does Billy react to his impending doom?

(see the answer keys)

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