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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 is Billy due to be executed?

2. Who witnesses Billy's funeral?

3. How does Captain Vere treat Billy in chapter 22?

4. How does Billy respond to Claggart's accusation?

5. What penalty does the court consider for Billy in chapter 22?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Melville compare Billy's death to Jesus' crucifixion?

3. Why does Captain Vere feel it necessary to deliver the court's verdict to Billy personally?

4. How does Melville compare religion to righteous living?

5. Describe Billy's funeral.

6. Why does Billy refuse to believe that Claggart is orchestrating the events that are plaguing him?

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

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

9. Why does Billy cry out "God bless Captain Vere!" moments before his execution?

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the difference between reporting illicit activities and tattling. Which factors prevent Billy from reporting the afterguardsman to the captain? What effect does not reporting the incident have on Billy's character? How might the outcome of the novel be different if Billy had chosen to report the afterguardsman to his superiors?

Essay Topic 2

How is sarcasm used in the novel? Compare the use of sarcasm with deception. How does Billy's innocence contrast with Claggart's sarcasm? How does it affect his perception of the sarcasm? What did Claggart really mean when he said, "Handsomely done, my lad! And handsome is as handsome did it, too!"

Essay Topic 3

What role does the fear of mutiny play in the novel? How does the fear of mutiny affect discipline on board 18th century British ships? Describe two forms of discipline utilized on board ships in the 18th century and indicate the strengths and weaknesses of each form of discipline.

(see the answer keys)

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