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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 chapter 18, which character does the captain consider promoting?

2. In the article about the Bellipotent, how is John Claggart presented?

3. Where is Billy taken in chapter 19?

4. Which two groups of people does Melville compare in chapter 16?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Billy's funeral.

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

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

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

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

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

7. How does Melville compare religion to righteous living?

8. How does Melville compare Billy's death to Jesus' crucifixion?

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

10. How does Melville explain the trusting nature of most sailors?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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 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?

(see the answer keys)

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