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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. What is Captain Vere's nickname?
(a) Starry Vere.
(b) The Stalwart.
(c) Gentleman Vere.
(d) Verdi.

2. What is Billy's position on the ship?
(a) Foretopman.
(b) Boatswain.
(c) Chief Mate.
(d) Master-at-arms.

3. Which famous character does the Victory's quarterdeck decoration commemorate?
(a) Captain Bligh.
(b) Captain Vere.
(c) Admiral Nelson.
(d) Captain Graveling.

4. Who is Squeak?
(a) Claggart's secret accomplice.
(b) The ship's cook.
(c) The bosun.
(d) Claggart's pet mouse.

5. Which mutiny is referred to as "the Great Mutiny"?
(a) Nore.
(b) Spithead.
(c) Timor.
(d) Brighton.

Short Answer Questions

1. What decoration marks the Victory's quarterdeck?

2. How do the other sailors react to Claggart in chapter 10?

3. Which country is described as ruling the seas?

4. What is Billy's responsibility on board the ship?

5. In chapter two, how does Billy react to his new shipmates?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How does Melville explain moral depravity?

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

5. Who is Starry Vere?

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

7. Who is the afterguardsman?

8. Describe Billy Budd.

9. Describe John Claggart.

10. What is Billy's one flaw?

(see the answer keys)

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