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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. How does Melville characterize sailors in general?

2. According to Melville, what makes sailors different from non-sailors?

3. Which character stares at Billy with a meditative and melancholy expression in chapter 17?

4. In chapter 25, what does the crew cry in unison?

5. How does Captain Vere appear after he leaves Billy in chapter 22?

Short Essay Questions

1. What irony is evident in the nature of Captain Vere's death?

2. What explanation does Billy give for being called to the captain's cabin in chapter 19?

3. What explanations are given for the odd nature of Billy's death?

4. Why does Captain Vere insist that the drumhead court render judgment according to the Mutiny Act?

5. Why doesn't Billy confront the afterguardsman or Claggart about any of the incidents that occurs?

6. Describe the drumhead court that convenes in chapter 21.

7. Why does Captain Vere feel it necessary to deliver the court's verdict to Billy personally?

8. What accusation does Claggart bring against Billy?

9. Describe Billy's funeral.

10. Describe Claggart's funeral.

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

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?

Essay Topic 3

What role does the fear of mutiny play in the novel? How does the fear of mutiny affect discipline on board 18th century British ships? Describe two forms of discipline utilized on board ships in the 18th century and indicate the strengths and weaknesses of each form of discipline.

(see the answer keys)

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