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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. How does Billy react to his impending doom?
(a) By crying loudly.
(b) With anger.
(c) He curses.
(d) Calmly.

2. How does Melville characterize sailors in general?
(a) Childlike and trusting.
(b) Irritable and aggressive.
(c) Deceptive and vicious.
(d) Lazy and stupid.

3. What does Billy cry out a moment before his punishment is carried out?
(a) "Be aware, all ye sinners!"
(b) "Handsomely done, my lads!"
(c) "Why has thou forsaken me?"
(d) "God bless Captain Vere!"

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

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

Short Answer Questions

1. What time is dogwatch?

2. Which two characters begin to suspect Billy of wrongdoing?

3. What happens to Captain Vere after he is wounded?

4. What concerns the surgeon in chapter 20?

5. Who visits Billy in chapter 24?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. Describe Claggart's funeral.

9. How does Claggart's expression begin to betray his feelings in chapter 17?

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

(see the answer keys)

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