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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Which character is considered by others to be the most attractive in every aspect?
(a) Captain Vere.
(b) John Claggart.
(c) Lieutenant Ratcliffe.
(d) Billy Budd.

2. Which character does Squeak play tricks on?
(a) Billy.
(b) Claggart.
(c) Lieutenant Ratcliffe.
(d) Captain Vere.

3. Which mutiny is discussed in chapter five?
(a) Timor.
(b) Brighton.
(c) Nore.
(d) Spithead.

4. Why doesn't Captain Graveling want Billy to leave the ship?
(a) Billy is a natural peacemaker.
(b) Billy often gets drunk when he goes on leave.
(c) He suspects Billy is plotting a mutiny.
(d) He suspects Billy goes AWOL.

5. Why is Billy reprimanded in chapter nine?
(a) He is caught eating in the crow's nest.
(b) He knocks over a full bucket in front of the captain.
(c) He falls asleep while on watch.
(d) Someone is playing tricks on him that get him in trouble.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is the greatest fear in the British Navy?

2. Which types of books does Captain Vere prefer?

3. What is Billy and Claggart's relationship like after they begin working together on the Bellipotent?

4. When does the Spithead mutiny occur?

5. Which character is known for his malicious envy?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe Billy Budd.

2. Who is the Dansker and how does he help Billy?

3. What is a "Handsome Sailor"?

4. What does Claggart mean when he says, "Handsomely done, my lad! And handsome is as handsome does it, too!" ?

5. What is Billy's one flaw?

6. How does the scourging affect Billy?

7. Who is the afterguardsman?

8. How does the social climate on board a ship compare to the social climate on land?

9. How does Melville explain moral depravity?

10. Who is Squeak?

(see the answer keys)

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