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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. In chapter 20, what does the surgeon want to do?

2. Why does the crew of the Bellipotent save pieces of the sacred item?

3. How does Billy react to his impending doom?

4. What is a drumhead court?

5. Which country does the rival ship in chapter 28 represent?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. How does Melville compare religion to righteous living?

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

4. Why doesn't Billy confront the afterguardsman or Claggart about any of the incidents that occurs?

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

6. What accusation does Claggart bring against Billy?

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

8. What is unusual about Billy's death?

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

10. Describe Billy's funeral.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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.

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast Captain Vere, Captain Bligh and Admiral Nelson. How does each man's command style affect his crew? How does each man's personality affect his relationship with his crew, and how does that relationship affect the morale of the crew?

Essay Topic 3

How does Melville demonstrate the contrast between good and evil? Which characters and actions are used to represent good and evil? How is the war between good and evil represented in the novel? What affect does this war have on the characters?

(see the answer keys)

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