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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 two characters are contrasted in chapter 12?

2. Which battle does the Victory's quarterdeck decoration commemorate?

3. Why is Billy reprimanded in chapter nine?

4. In chapter 15, which character appears to be conspiring to destroy Billy's character?

5. What event occurring on land mirrors a naval mutiny?

Short Essay Questions

1. What is a "Handsome Sailor"?

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

3. What is the first recorded mutiny in the British navy?

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

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

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

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

8. Describe Billy Budd.

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

10. What is a mutiny?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 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

What ironies are evident throughout the novel? What ironic elements are present in Billy's trial and execution? What ironic elements are presented in the manner in which Billy's story is reported on land versus at sea?

(see the answer keys)

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