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This quiz consists of 5 multiple choice and 5 short answer questions through Chapter 12 - Benito Cereno.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What did buccaneers leave on the islands that Melville claims is proof of their better traits?
(a) Buried treasure.
(b) Planted gardens.
(c) Carved stone furniture.
(d) Planted orchards.

2. To what did Captain Delano attribute the ship's being so long becalmed?
(a) Misdirection.
(b) Poor seamanship.
(c) Unusual weather.
(d) Bad luck.

3. How did Captain Delano evaluate the relationship between Benito Cereno and Babo?
(a) A shocking breach of convention.
(b) A frightening scene of dependency.
(c) A distressing lack of respect.
(d) An enviable spectacle of fidelity.

4. To what did Captain Delano attribute Benito Cereno's ineffectiveness as captain?
(a) Foolhardy disregard for good advice.
(b) Ignorance, pride, and stubbornness.
(c) Youth, sickness, and gentility.
(d) Cruelty, harshness, and unkindness.

5. Why doesn't the narrator dismiss Bartleby for insubordination?
(a) Bartleby promises to improve.
(b) Bartleby is obviously emotionally upset.
(c) Bartleby is calm, showing no emotion.
(d) Bartleby is distressed.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Melville call the government the Creole soldier established on St. Charles?

2. What action does Steelkilt determine to take after being locked in the hold?

3. How does the narrator accommodate the weakness of his oldest scrivener?

4. How does Steelkilt respond to Radney's request that he sweep the deck?

5. What happens to the rooster when the Merrymusk family dies?

(see the answer key)

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