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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. In which article are the events on the Bellipotent published?

2. Who is the only witness in the trial?

3. What is a drumhead court?

4. What is "Billy in the Darbies"?

5. Where are the real events that occur on the Bellipotent recorded?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe Billy's funeral.

3. Why isn't the chaplain worried about Billy's impending judgment?

4. How does Billy react to Claggart's accusation?

5. How does Claggart's expression begin to betray his feelings in chapter 17?

6. Why does Billy refuse to believe that Claggart is orchestrating the events that are plaguing him?

7. Describe Claggart's funeral.

8. Why are the events on the Bellipotent distorted in the naval chronicle?

9. How are the events that occur on the Bellipotent distorted on land?

10. What is the significance of Captain Vere's last words?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

How is sarcasm used in the novel? Compare the use of sarcasm with deception. How does Billy's innocence contrast with Claggart's sarcasm? How does it affect his perception of the sarcasm? What did Claggart really mean when he said, "Handsomely done, my lad! And handsome is as handsome did it, too!"

Essay Topic 2

Provide a brief description of the following literary elements the novel: Introduction, rising action, climax, falling action and denouement (resolution). How does emotion affect the progression of each element?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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