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

2. When does the Spithead mutiny occur?
(a) September of 1897.
(b) August of 1697.
(c) January of 1924.
(d) April of 1797.

3. In chapter four, which sailor is hailed as the greatest of all time?
(a) Captain Bligh.
(b) Admiral Nelson.
(c) Captain Vere.
(d) Captain Graveling.

4. When does the incident in chapter 10 occur?
(a) Evening.
(b) Breakfast.
(c) Midnight.
(d) Lunchtime.

5. Why does Melville claim that certain men are morally depraved?
(a) Because they are not entirely sane.
(b) Because cruel treatment breeds cruelty.
(c) Because they are forced into depravity by their living conditions.
(d) Because their licentious behavior makes them depraved.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is Billy Budd?

2. Which character is deceived by Squeak's lies?

3. Which mutiny is discussed in chapter five?

4. Why doesn't Captain Graveling want Billy to leave the ship?

5. What does Billy threaten to do to the sailor in chapter 14?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is a "Handsome Sailor"?

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

3. How do ruling bodies on board a ship compare to ruling bodies on land?

4. How does the social climate on board a ship compare to the social climate on land?

5. Who is Squeak?

6. Describe Billy Budd.

7. Who is the Dansker and how does he help Billy?

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

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

10. Who is Starry Vere?

(see the answer keys)

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