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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 John Claggart's position on the ship?

2. Which character is known for his malicious envy?

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

4. How does the sailor Billy threatened in chapter 14 react to Billy in chapter 15?

5. What is Captain Vere's nickname?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Starry Vere?

2. How does the scourging affect Billy?

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

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

5. Why is Claggart "down" on Billy?

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

7. What is a mutiny?

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

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

10. Who is the afterguardsman?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

According to Melville, why are sailors more trusting than men who live on land? How does age and training relate to the trust Melville claims sailors exhibit? Why does Billy have a greater sense of trust than Claggart since both are sailors?

Essay Topic 2

What is a "cat's paw" and which characters represent this analogy? Why does Claggart choose to use a "cat's paw" instead of dealing with Billy himself? How does the use of the "cat's paw" backfire on Claggart?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the role violence plays in the novel. When does violence appear to be justified? When does violence appear to be immoral? How does violence, whether justified or immoral, affect the characters in the novel?

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