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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. Melville compares Billy's death to the death of which other person?

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

3. What does Captain Vere tell his crew in chapter 23?

4. What is standard procedure in the event of a suspected murder at sea?

5. In chapter 23, when is the crew called together?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Melville compare religion to righteous living?

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

3. Describe Billy's funeral.

4. How does Captain Vere view Billy before the foretopman is confronted with the accusation of mutiny?

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

6. What misgivings do the surgeon and the other officers have about Billy's impending trial?

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

What ironies are evident throughout the novel? What ironic elements are present in Billy's trial and execution? What ironic elements are presented in the manner in which Billy's story is reported on land versus at sea?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

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