View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

7. 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.

8. How is Billy's body prepared for burial?
(a) It is wrapped in the torn topsail.
(b) It is placed in a pine box.
(c) It is stuffed into a canvas sack.
(d) It is wrapped in his hammock.

9. Where is John Claggart buried?
(a) England.
(b) The isle of Mann.
(c) At sea.
(d) The coast of Timon.

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

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

12. Which character is the hammock-boy sent to find in chapter 18?
(a) The Dansker.
(b) Billy Budd.
(c) John Claggart.
(d) Lieutenant Ratcliffe.

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

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. In chapter 20, what does the surgeon want to do?

2. How does the chase in chapter 18 end?

3. What does the chaplain give Billy in chapter 24?

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

5. Why does Billy hesitate when asked about his knowledge of a potential insurrection?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 476 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample