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

2. How does John Claggart earn his promotions?

3. Who is Billy's father?

4. Why is Billy reprimanded in chapter nine?

5. What type of personal life does Captain Vere lead?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe John Claggart.

2. Describe Billy Budd.

3. What changes the face of naval warfare in the 18th century?

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

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

6. Who is Squeak?

7. What is Billy's one flaw?

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

9. How does Melville explain moral depravity?

10. Who is the Dansker and how does he help Billy?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

What ironies are evident throughout the novel? What ironic elements are present in Billy's trial and execution? What ironic elements are presented in the manner in which Billy's story is reported on land versus at sea?

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