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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 character stares at Billy with a meditative and melancholy expression in chapter 17?
(a) Lieutenant Ratcliffe.
(b) The afterguardsman.
(c) The Dansker.
(d) John Claggart.

2. What is standard procedure in the event of a suspected murder at sea?
(a) Allow the crew to deal with the accused.
(b) Call a court of officers, render and carry out judgement.
(c) Ice the victim and flog the accused.
(d) Confine the accused and contact the admiral.

3. In which article are the events on the Bellipotent published?
(a) "Insurrection Prevented."
(b) "A Tale from the Royal Navy."
(c) "News from the Mediterranean."
(d) "Mutiny on the High Seas."

4. In chapter 20, what does the surgeon want to do?
(a) Follow standard procedure.
(b) Bury Claggart at sea.
(c) Have a stiff drink.
(d) Leave the ship.

5. What penalty does the court consider for Billy in chapter 22?
(a) Death.
(b) Keelhauling.
(c) Confinement.
(d) Flogging.

Short Answer Questions

1. Who is the only witness in the trial?

2. In chapter 17, how does Claggart react when he and Billy suddenly meet?

3. Who prepares Billy's body for burial?

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

5. Where is Captain Vere taken after he is wounded?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Captain Vere view Billy before the foretopman is confronted with the accusation of mutiny?

2. What irony is evident in the nature of Captain Vere's death?

3. How does Melville explain the trusting nature of most sailors?

4. What is the significance of Captain Vere's last words?

5. How does Melville compare Billy's death to Jesus' crucifixion?

6. Describe Billy's funeral.

7. Describe the drumhead court that convenes in chapter 21.

8. How are the events that occur on the Bellipotent distorted on land?

9. Why does Captain Vere insist that the drumhead court render judgment according to the Mutiny Act?

10. How do the sailors of the Bellipotent honor Billy's memory?

(see the answer keys)

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