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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 two, how does Billy react to his new shipmates?

2. How is discipline maintained on the Bellipotent?

3. What does Billy threaten to do to the sailor in chapter 14?

4. Why doesn't Captain Graveling want Billy to leave the ship?

5. Which famous character does the Victory's quarterdeck decoration commemorate?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Admiral Nelson.

2. Why is Claggart "down" on Billy?

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

4. What does Claggart mean when he says, "Handsomely done, my lad! And handsome is as handsome does it, too!" ?

5. How do the sailors on board the Bellipotent view John Claggart?

6. Describe Billy's background.

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

8. How does Melville explain moral depravity?

9. What is a "Handsome Sailor"?

10. What is Captain Vere's favorite hobby?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

How does emotional repression affect the development of emotion among the sailors on the Bellipotent? How does Claggart's repression of feelings magnify his anger? What is the consequence of his repression? How does Billy's repression of his feelings magnify his sense of confusion? What is the consequence of his repression?

Essay Topic 3

What role does the Dansker play in the novel? How does Billy view the Dansker? How does the Dansker view Billy? Why does Dansker feel the need to clarify the events around Billy without offering advice on how to cope with those events?

(see the answer keys)

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