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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Captain Vere tell the surgeon to call?
(a) Admiral Nelson.
(b) Revelry.
(c) A drumhead court.
(d) To arms.

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

3. Who prepares Billy's body for burial?
(a) Members of the drumhead court.
(b) The sailors on deck.
(c) Captain Vere.
(d) The chaplain.

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

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

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

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

8. According to Melville, what makes sailors different from non-sailors?
(a) Sailors are natural liars.
(b) Sailors have more freedom.
(c) Sailors do not trust others easily.
(d) Sailors are more trusting.

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

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

11. What are Captain Vere's last words?
(a) "God bless Captain Vere."
(b) "Billy Budd."
(c) "Handsomely done, my lad!"
(d) "Handsome is as handsome does it."

12. Which two characters begin to suspect Billy of wrongdoing?
(a) The master-at-arms and the chief mate.
(b) Captain Vere and the master-at-arms.
(c) The chief mate and the bosun.
(d) The armorer and the captain of the hold.

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

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

15. Where is Billy taken in chapter 19?
(a) Offshore.
(b) The kitchen.
(c) The brig.
(d) The captain's cabin.

Short Answer Questions

1. In chapter 16, what does Billy refuse to believe?

2. According to the article about the Bellipotent, how is John Claggart murdered?

3. How does Billy die?

4. Which country does the rival ship in chapter 28 represent?

5. What happens to Captain Vere after he is wounded?

(see the answer keys)

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