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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. In chapter 18, which character reports suspicious behavior of a sailor to Captain Vere?
(a) Billy Budd.
(b) John Claggart.
(c) Lieutenant Ratcliffe.
(d) The Dansker.

2. According to the article about the Bellipotent, how is John Claggart murdered?
(a) He is stabbed by Billy Budd.
(b) He is poisoned by Billy Budd.
(c) He is strangled by Billy Budd.
(d) He is hit by Billy Budd.

3. Which two groups of people does Melville compare in chapter 16?
(a) Army soldiers and Naval sailors.
(b) Sailors and Landsmen.
(c) Officers and Deckhands.
(d) Men and Women.

4. How does Captain Vere treat Billy in chapter 22?
(a) He breates his behavior.
(b) With compassion.
(c) With contempt.
(d) He ignores Billy's presence.

5. What is "Billy in the Darbies"?
(a) A painting honoring Billy's memory.
(b) A ballad honoring Billy's memory.
(c) A sculpture honoring Billy's memory.
(d) An article on Billy's planned mutiny.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where are the real events that occur on the Bellipotent recorded?

2. In chapter 16, what does Billy refuse to believe?

3. Where is Billy confined in chapter 24?

4. How does Billy react to his impending doom?

5. How does Melville characterize sailors in general?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Billy cry out "God bless Captain Vere!" moments before his execution?

2. What explanation does Billy give for being called to the captain's cabin in chapter 19?

3. What is unusual about Billy's death?

4. Why isn't the chaplain worried about Billy's impending judgment?

5. What accusation does Claggart bring against Billy?

6. Why doesn't Billy confront the afterguardsman or Claggart about any of the incidents that occurs?

7. What misgivings do the surgeon and the other officers have about Billy's impending trial?

8. What explanations are given for the odd nature of Billy's death?

9. Why does Captain Vere feel it necessary to deliver the court's verdict to Billy personally?

10. Why are the events on the Bellipotent distorted in the naval chronicle?

(see the answer keys)

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