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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. Which two characters are contrasted in chapter 12?

2. Which mutiny is discussed in chapter five?

3. Which character is considered by others to be the most attractive in every aspect?

4. In chapter 14, how does Billy react to the sailor's request?

5. What attitude does Captain Vere gain from his studies?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Billy's background.

2. Who is Starry Vere?

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

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

5. How does deception destroy both Claggart and Billy?

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

7. How do the officers aboard the Bellipotent view Captain Vere?

8. How does the scourging affect Billy?

9. Who is the afterguardsman?

10. How does Melville explain moral depravity?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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"?

Essay Topic 2

What role does fate play in the novel? Which characters accept their proposed fates and which characters appear to struggle against fate? How does fate affect justice?

Essay Topic 3

What is Billy's Achilles' heel and how does it affect his character? Does Billy's Achilles' heel negate his standing as the "Handsome Sailor" of the Bellipotent? Why or why not? If Billy's is the "Handsome Sailor" of the Bellipotent, how does his Achilles' heel affect the other characters?

(see the answer keys)

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