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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. Who is the only witness in the trial?

2. What event occurs after Billy's funeral?

3. Where is Billy buried?

4. Why does the crew of the Bellipotent save pieces of the sacred item?

5. How does Melville characterize sailors in general?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What religious event compares to Billy's funeral?

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

5. Describe Claggart's funeral.

6. What is unusual about Billy's death?

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

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

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

10. How does Melville compare the politics that surround Billy's case with Jesus' trial?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

How does literature affect Captain Vere's character? How does the genre of Captain Vere's literary preference affect his relationship with his officers and crew? How do the ideals presented in Captain Vere's favored literature affect his command style and decision making process?

Essay Topic 3

How is supernatural symbolism used throughout the novel? When Captain Vere presents Billy to the crew as a murderer, how do the supernatural symbols present during Billy's execution and burial contradict the captain's claims? How is supernatural symbolism used to honor Billy's memory and preserve the truth?

(see the answer keys)

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