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

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What does Captain Vere tell his crew in chapter 23?
(a) A sailor is executed for murdering the master-at-arms.
(b) Billy Budd jumps overboard.
(c) Billy Budd is murdered.
(d) The admiral is on board for a surprise inspection.

2. In chapter 25, what does the crew cry in unison?
(a) "Handsomely done, my lad!"
(b) "God bless Captain Vere!"
(c) "Let him go!"
(d) "Handsome is as handsome does it, too!"

3. To what famous item does Melville compare the sacred item from the Bellipotent?
(a) The cross.
(b) The Bible.
(c) The Star of David.
(d) The Queen's crown.

4. In chapter 16, what does Billy refuse to believe?
(a) That Lieutenant Ratcliffe is behind the mischief that plagues him.
(b) That Captain Vere is corrupt.
(c) That the Bellipotent can sink.
(d) That Claggart is behind the mischief that plagues him.

5. Which other characters has odd weather changes occur during his death?
(a) Captain Bligh.
(b) Jesus.
(c) Admiral Nelson.
(d) Claggart.

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

7. Who tells Billy of his sentence?
(a) Captain Vere.
(b) The valet.
(c) Lieutenant Ratcliffe.
(d) The admiral.

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

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

10. What does the chaplain feel is better than religion for facing judgment?
(a) Hope.
(b) Peace.
(c) Innocence.
(d) Truth.

11. Why does the crew of the Bellipotent save pieces of the sacred item?
(a) They don't think Billy is capable of murder or mutiny.
(b) To worship.
(c) To honor Captain Vere.
(d) They believe it prevents mutiny.

12. What appears to end in chapter 17?
(a) The dirty tricks.
(b) The storm.
(c) The journey.
(d) Billy and Claggart's friendship.

13. Which character is the hammock-boy sent to find in chapter 18?
(a) John Claggart.
(b) Lieutenant Ratcliffe.
(c) Billy Budd.
(d) The Dansker.

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

15. Where is John Claggart buried?
(a) The isle of Mann.
(b) At sea.
(c) England.
(d) The coast of Timon.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where are the real events that occur on the Bellipotent recorded?

2. Where does Captain Vere send Billy after Claggart's death?

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

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

5. In chapter 20, what does the surgeon want to do?

(see the answer keys)

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