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

2. To what does Melville attribute the general attitude of most sailors?
(a) The sea attacts the worst types of individuals.
(b) Their lives are always controlled.
(c) Living in close quarters warps a person's character.
(d) They must assume control of their lives at an early age.

3. In the article about the Bellipotent, how is John Claggart presented?
(a) As an honest, hard working victim.
(b) As a foreigner who is conscripted into the navy.
(c) As a hero who discovers a mutinous plot.
(d) As a misunderstood officer.

4. Who is allowed to communicate with Billy in chapter 23?
(a) Lieutenant Ratcliffe.
(b) Red Whiskers.
(c) The Dansker.
(d) The chaplain.

5. What does one of Billy's fellow sailors create as a tribute to his fallen shipmate?
(a) A medallion.
(b) A sculpture.
(c) A poem.
(d) A plaque.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does the chaplain feel is better than religion for facing judgment?

2. Why does the crew assemble together in chapter 25?

3. Which ship does the Bellipotent engage in chapter 28?

4. Who visits Billy in chapter 24?

5. Who is a part of the drumhead court in chapter 21?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Melville compare religion to righteous living?

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

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

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

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

6. What is ironic about Billy's impending trial?

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

8. What accusation does Claggart bring against Billy?

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

10. How does Captain Vere explain Billy's execution to the crew?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,350 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample