View a FREE sample

This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does the Captain feel that Billy must be punished?
(a) To prevent a mutiny.
(b) The captain is trying to cover up his own mistakes.
(c) Because Billy is a malicious murderer.
(d) Because someone must pay for Claggart's death.

2. Which animals appear at Billy's funeral?
(a) A pair of albatross.
(b) A flock of seagulls.
(c) A school of dolphins.
(d) A school of sharks.

3. Which two characters begin to suspect Billy of wrongdoing?
(a) The armorer and the captain of the hold.
(b) Captain Vere and the master-at-arms.
(c) The master-at-arms and the chief mate.
(d) The chief mate and the bosun.

4. What does Billy cry out a moment before his punishment is carried out?
(a) "God bless Captain Vere!"
(b) "Be aware, all ye sinners!"
(c) "Handsomely done, my lads!"
(d) "Why has thou forsaken me?"

5. What time is dogwatch?
(a) 3:00 p.m.
(b) 6:00 a.m.
(c) 3:00 a.m.
(d) 6:00 p.m.

6. How does Billy react to his impending doom?
(a) He curses.
(b) By crying loudly.
(c) Calmly.
(d) With anger.

7. Where is Billy confined in chapter 24?
(a) In the cargo hold.
(b) In the brig.
(c) Between two guns.
(d) In the captain's stateroom.

8. How does Billy die?
(a) He walks the plank.
(b) He is hung.
(c) He bleeds to death.
(d) He is shot.

9. Where is Billy taken in chapter 19?
(a) The captain's cabin.
(b) The brig.
(c) The kitchen.
(d) Offshore.

10. How does Meville characterize Billy?
(a) Fearful and timid.
(b) Deceptive and untrustworthy.
(c) Innocent and child-like.
(d) Angry and vengeful.

11. How does the chase in chapter 18 end?
(a) The albatross lands on the topmast.
(b) The merchant ship surrenders.
(c) The frigate escapes.
(d) The dolphins submerge.

12. To what does Melville attribute the general attitude of most sailors?
(a) They must assume control of their lives at an early age.
(b) The sea attacts the worst types of individuals.
(c) Their lives are always controlled.
(d) Living in close quarters warps a person's character.

13. Who encourages the court to consider the death penalty during Billy's trial?
(a) The master-at-arms.
(b) The captain of marines.
(c) The first lieutenant
(d) Captain Vere.

14. Where does Captain Vere send Billy after Claggart's death?
(a) To the brig.
(b) To the crow's nest.
(c) To a stateroom.
(d) To the kitchen.

15. How does Billy respond to Claggart's accusation?
(a) He hits him.
(b) He screams obscenities.
(c) He faints.
(d) He stutters.

Short Answer Questions

1. What appears to end in chapter 17?

2. In chapter 17, how does Claggart react when he and Billy suddenly meet?

3. Where is Captain Vere taken after he is wounded?

4. To what do most of the crew attribute the odd circumstances surrounding Billy's death?

5. Which character stares at Billy with a meditative and melancholy expression in chapter 17?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 472 words (approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample