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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which mutiny is referred to as "the Great Mutiny"?

2. Which character remains cheerful, despite clandestine attempts of persecution?

3. Which famous character does the Victory's quarterdeck decoration commemorate?

4. Which two characters are contrasted in chapter 12?

5. What does Billy threaten to do to the sailor in chapter 14?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. Who is Squeak?

4. Describe Billy's background.

5. How does Melville contrast Billy and Claggart's characters?

6. Why is Claggart "down" on Billy?

7. How does the scourging affect Billy?

8. What advice does the Dansker give Billy about his confrontation with the afterguardsman?

9. What changes the face of naval warfare in the 18th century?

10. How do ruling bodies on board a ship compare to ruling bodies on land?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss Melville's theory of moral depravity. How does innate moral depravity compare to moral depravity caused by licentious (sexually immoral) living? What evidence does Melville give to prove that Claggart is suffering from a form of insanity that manifests itself as innate moral depravity?

Essay Topic 2

How does emotional repression affect the development of emotion among the sailors on the Bellipotent? How does Claggart's repression of feelings magnify his anger? What is the consequence of his repression? How does Billy's repression of his feelings magnify his sense of confusion? What is the consequence of his repression?

Essay Topic 3

What is a "cat's paw" and which characters represent this analogy? Why does Claggart choose to use a "cat's paw" instead of dealing with Billy himself? How does the use of the "cat's paw" backfire on Claggart?

(see the answer keys)

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