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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. Who prepares Billy's body for burial?
(a) The chaplain.
(b) Captain Vere.
(c) The sailors on deck.
(d) Members of the drumhead court.

2. Whom do the officers want to contact?
(a) The master-at-arms.
(b) The admiral.
(c) The captain.
(d) The Queen.

3. What does the chaplain give Billy in chapter 24?
(a) A kiss on the cheek.
(b) A bible.
(c) A medal of honor.
(d) A cross.

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

5. Which two characters are Claggart's messmates?
(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.

Short Answer Questions

1. What astonishes Captain Vere about the report he receives in chapter 18?

2. In chapter 16, what does Billy refuse to believe?

3. Who witnesses Billy's funeral?

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

5. What appears to end in chapter 17?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is the significance of Captain Vere's last words?

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

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

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

5. What explanations are given for the odd nature of Billy's death?

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

7. What explanation does Billy give for being called to the captain's cabin in chapter 19?

8. How does Captain Vere view Billy before the foretopman is confronted with the accusation of mutiny?

9. What is ironic about Billy's impending trial?

10. What accusation does Claggart bring against Billy?

(see the answer keys)

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