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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Who is responsible for the tricks being played on Billy?
(a) The Dansker.
(b) Lieutenant Ratcliffe.
(c) John Claggart.
(d) Red Whiskers.

2. What is Billy's responsibility on board the ship?
(a) To maintain order on the lower gun decks.
(b) To handle the sails on the foremast.
(c) To plan the day's work and assign tasks to the deck crew.
(d) To be responsible for the ship's cargo and crew.

3. How do Captain Vere's officers view their commander's seafaring skills?
(a) Average.
(b) Riddled with inconsistencies.
(c) Poor.
(d) Superior.

4. In chapter 15, what does Billy think he should report to the captain?
(a) A possible mutiny.
(b) The changing weather.
(c) A possible fight.
(d) His behavior.

5. Which act does Claggart believe is an intentional attempt to offend him?
(a) The spilled soup.
(b) The rolled bucket.
(c) The ripped topsail.
(d) The scourging.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which character is described in chapter 11 as being "down" on Billy?

2. What is Captain Vere's nickname?

3. In chapter four, which naval commander is hailed as one of the greatest strategists of all time?

4. In chapter 15, which character appears to be conspiring to destroy Billy's character?

5. What does Andrew Marvell create that commemorates Captain Vere?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Billy's threat of physical force when confronted by the afterguardsman foreshadow his downfall?

2. What does Claggart mean when he says, "Handsomely done, my lad! And handsome is as handsome does it, too!" ?

3. What is Billy's one flaw?

4. How does Melville contrast Billy and Claggart's characters?

5. How do the sailors on board the Bellipotent view John Claggart?

6. What incident is the catalyst for Billy's demise?

7. How does Billy's innocence affect his ability to react to the afterguardsman's proposal?

8. Describe Billy Budd.

9. Describe Billy's background.

10. Which one of the seven deadly sins drives Claggart to destroy Billy?

(see the answer keys)

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