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. To what famous item does Melville compare the sacred item from the Bellipotent?
(a) The Star of David.
(b) The Queen's crown.
(c) The Bible.
(d) The cross.

2. How is Billy's body prepared for burial?
(a) It is wrapped in his hammock.
(b) It is wrapped in the torn topsail.
(c) It is placed in a pine box.
(d) It is stuffed into a canvas sack.

3. What is attributed to will power in chapter 26?
(a) A man's decision to witness death and stay on board.
(b) The captain's decision to proceed with Billy's punishment.
(c) The admiral's decision to proceed with Billy's punishment.
(d) The lack of death spasm in Billy's body.

4. What happens to Captain Vere after he is wounded?
(a) He remains on the island.
(b) He dies.
(c) He is court-martialed.
(d) He survives, but never commands another vessel.

5. Who is a part of the drumhead court in chapter 21?
(a) The first lieutenant, the captain of marines and the master-at-arms.
(b) The first lieutenant, the captain of marines, and the sailing master.
(c) The first lieutenant, the master-at-arms, and the chief mate.
(d) The chief mate, the master-at-arms, and a boatswain.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where is John Claggart buried?

2. What does the Bellipotent chase in chapter 18?

3. Who tells Billy of his sentence?

4. What does Billy cry out a moment before his punishment is carried out?

5. To which biblical figure does Melville compare Claggart?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Billy react to Claggart's accusation?

2. Why does Billy refuse to believe that Claggart is orchestrating the events that are plaguing him?

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

4. What is unusual about Billy's death?

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

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

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

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

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

10. What accusation does Claggart bring against Billy?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,322 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample