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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. When does the Spithead mutiny occur?

2. In chapter 15, what does Billy think he should report to the captain?

3. Who commands the Bellipotent in chapter six?

4. What is Billy's responsibility on board the ship?

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

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is the afterguardsman?

2. Describe John Claggart.

3. How does the scourging affect Billy?

4. How do the sailors on board the Bellipotent view John Claggart?

5. What is a mutiny?

6. What is Billy's one flaw?

7. How does Billy's threat of physical force when confronted by the afterguardsman foreshadow his downfall?

8. How does Billy's innocence affect his ability to react to the afterguardsman's proposal?

9. How do the officers aboard the Bellipotent view Captain Vere?

10. How does Melville explain moral depravity?

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 literature affect Captain Vere's character? How does the genre of Captain Vere's literary preference affect his relationship with his officers and crew? How do the ideals presented in Captain Vere's favored literature affect his command style and decision making process?

Essay Topic 3

How is supernatural symbolism used throughout the novel? When Captain Vere presents Billy to the crew as a murderer, how do the supernatural symbols present during Billy's execution and burial contradict the captain's claims? How is supernatural symbolism used to honor Billy's memory and preserve the truth?

(see the answer keys)

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