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

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

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

4. How does Claggart die?
(a) Captain Vere shoots him.
(b) He hangs himself.
(c) The valet stabs him.
(d) Billy hits him.

5. In the article about the Bellipotent, how is Billy Budd presented?
(a) As a foreigner who is conscripted into the navy.
(b) As a misunderstood sailor.
(c) As a hero who discovers a mutinous plot.
(d) As an honest, hard working victim.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does Billy hesitate when asked about his knowledge of a potential insurrection?

2. To which biblical figure does Melville compare Claggart?

3. Who encourages the court to consider the death penalty during Billy's trial?

4. Which two characters begin to suspect Billy of wrongdoing?

5. Who witnesses Billy's funeral?

Short Essay Questions

1. What accusation does Claggart bring against Billy?

2. What irony is evident in the nature of Captain Vere's death?

3. How does Melville explain the trusting nature of most sailors?

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

5. How does Claggart's expression begin to betray his feelings in chapter 17?

6. Why are the events on the Bellipotent distorted in the naval chronicle?

7. How do the sailors of the Bellipotent honor Billy's memory?

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

9. Describe the drumhead court that convenes in chapter 21.

10. What misgivings do the surgeon and the other officers have about Billy's impending trial?

(see the answer keys)

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