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

Short Answer Questions

1. In chapter 15, which character appears to be conspiring to destroy Billy's character?

2. Which character is described in chapter 11 as being "down" on Billy?

3. Which character is deceived by Squeak's lies?

4. Why is John Claggart's background a mystery to the crew?

5. How does Admiral Nelson keep his sailors under control?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Melville explain moral depravity?

2. How does the social climate on board a ship compare to the social climate on land?

3. How does the scourging affect Billy?

4. How do ruling bodies on board a ship compare to ruling bodies on land?

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

6. How does Billy's innocence affect his ability to react to the afterguardsman's proposal?

7. Describe John Claggart.

8. What is Captain Vere's favorite hobby?

9. What incident is the catalyst for Billy's demise?

10. Who is Squeak?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Melville's theory of moral depravity. How does innate moral depravity compare to moral depravity caused by licentious (sexually immoral) living? What evidence does Melville give to prove that Claggart is suffering from a form of insanity that manifests itself as innate moral depravity?

Essay Topic 2

What role does the social community on board the Bellipotent play in the novel? How are the characters affected by the extended amount of time they spend living and working together in a relatively small area? How are conflicts resolved among crew members? How do unresolved conflicts affect the characters in the novel?

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"?

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