View a FREE sample

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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What excuse does Billy give for hitting Claggart?
(a) He is told to do so by the afterguardsman.
(b) He is unable to speak.
(c) Claggart threatens to kill him.
(d) He is bi-polar.

2. What are Captain Vere's last words?
(a) "Billy Budd."
(b) "Handsomely done, my lad!"
(c) "Handsome is as handsome does it."
(d) "God bless Captain Vere."

3. Why does the crew of the Bellipotent save pieces of the sacred item?
(a) To worship.
(b) They believe it prevents mutiny.
(c) To honor Captain Vere.
(d) They don't think Billy is capable of murder or mutiny.

4. In chapter 25, what does the crew cry in unison?
(a) "Handsome is as handsome does it, too!"
(b) "Handsomely done, my lad!"
(c) "Let him go!"
(d) "God bless Captain Vere!"

5. Why doesn't the surgeon question the captain's orders?
(a) He fears the captain might shoot him.
(b) Disobeying orders is mutiny.
(c) He is dim-witted and cannot see any problem.
(d) He has great respect for the captain.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. How does Billy respond to Claggart's accusation?

3. How does the chase in chapter 18 end?

4. What concerns the officers in chapter 20?

5. What is one explanation given for the odd nature of Billy's death?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Melville compare religion to righteous living?

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

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

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

6. Describe Billy's funeral.

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

8. How is Billy like a sacrificial lamb?

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

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

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,201 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample