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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. Why does the crew assemble together in chapter 25?
(a) To witness a flogging.
(b) To witness a keelhauling.
(c) To protest Billy's punishment.
(d) To witness an execution.

2. Which character is the hammock-boy sent to find in chapter 18?
(a) Billy Budd.
(b) John Claggart.
(c) The Dansker.
(d) Lieutenant Ratcliffe.

3. Where is Billy buried?
(a) At sea.
(b) In England.
(c) On the Isle of Mann.
(d) On the shores of Timor.

4. Who is the only witness in the trial?
(a) The valet.
(b) Claggart.
(c) The captain.
(d) Billy Budd.

5. Who witnesses Billy's funeral?
(a) A few of Billy's closest friends.
(b) The entire crew.
(c) The chaplain and Captain Vere.
(d) The chaplain and members of the drumhead court.

Short Answer Questions

1. What concerns the officers in chapter 20?

2. What excuse does Billy give for hitting Claggart?

3. What is attributed to will power in chapter 26?

4. How does Billy die?

5. Which other characters has odd weather changes occur during his death?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Melville compare the politics that surround Billy's case with Jesus' trial?

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

3. What religious event compares to Billy's funeral?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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