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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. What is the greatest fear in the British Navy?

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

3. In chapter two, how does Billy react to his new shipmates?

4. Which character is known for his cheerful disposition?

5. What is Billy and Claggart's relationship like before they sail together on the Bellipotent?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Squeak?

2. How does Melville contrast Billy and Claggart's characters?

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

4. How does Melville explain moral depravity?

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

6. What is a "Handsome Sailor"?

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

8. Who is Starry Vere?

9. How does deception destroy both Claggart and Billy?

10. Describe Admiral Nelson.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Compare and contrast Billy Budd's character with John Claggart's character. Which characteristics indicate that Billy is the protagonist? Which characteristics indicate that Claggart is the antagonist? What role does innocence, truth, mystery and deception play in their characters?

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast Captain Vere, Captain Bligh and Admiral Nelson. How does each man's command style affect his crew? How does each man's personality affect his relationship with his crew, and how does that relationship affect the morale of the crew?

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)

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