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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. Which two characters begin to suspect Billy of wrongdoing?

2. What is unusual about Billy's death?

3. Which two characters are Claggart's messmates?

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

5. Which animals appear at Billy's funeral?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is ironic about Billy's impending trial?

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

3. Describe Billy's funeral.

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

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

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

7. Why does Billy cry out "God bless Captain Vere!" moments before his execution?

8. How do the sailors of the Bellipotent honor Billy's memory?

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

10. What is unusual about Billy's death?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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"?

Essay Topic 2

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?

Essay Topic 3

Discuss Melville's theory of moral depravity. How does innate moral depravity compare to moral depravity caused by licentious (sexually immoral) living? What evidence does Melville give to prove that Claggart is suffering from a form of insanity that manifests itself as innate moral depravity?

(see the answer keys)

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