View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which battle does the Victory's quarterdeck decoration commemorate?

2. In chapter 15, which character is Billy's confidant?

3. When does the Spithead mutiny occur?

4. What does the sailor in chapter 14 want Billy to join?

5. What is Captain Vere's nickname?

Short Essay Questions

1. What advice does the Dansker give Billy about his confrontation with the afterguardsman?

2. Which one of the seven deadly sins drives Claggart to destroy Billy?

3. How does Billy's threat of physical force when confronted by the afterguardsman foreshadow his downfall?

4. Who is the afterguardsman?

5. What is a mutiny?

6. What is a "Handsome Sailor"?

7. What is Captain Vere's favorite hobby?

8. Describe Billy's background.

9. How does the scourging affect Billy?

10. How does deception destroy both Claggart and Billy?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

What is a "cat's paw" and which characters represent this analogy? Why does Claggart choose to use a "cat's paw" instead of dealing with Billy himself? How does the use of the "cat's paw" backfire on Claggart?

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the difference between reporting illicit activities and tattling. Which factors prevent Billy from reporting the afterguardsman to the captain? What effect does not reporting the incident have on Billy's character? How might the outcome of the novel be different if Billy had chosen to report the afterguardsman to his superiors?

Essay Topic 3

Describe the qualities of the quintessential "Handsome Sailor". How does the "Handsome Sailor" affect the attitudes and actions of the crew of the Bellipotent? What risks are associated with being the "Handsome Sailor"?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 964 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample