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Search all of SparkNotes
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Suggestions
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Frankenstein
King Lear
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
The Picture of Dorian Gray
Twelfth Night
No Fear Shakespeare
Literature
Other Subjects
Teacher
Blog
Help
Billy Budd, Sailor
Herman Melville
Study Guide
Study Guide
Summary
Plot Overview
Summary & Analysis
Chapters 1–2
Chapters 3–5
Chapters 6–12
Chapters 13–17
Chapters 18–19
Chapters 20–21
Chapters 22–25
Chapters 26–30
Characters
Character List
Billy Budd
Claggart
Captain Vere
Main Ideas
Themes
Motifs
Symbols
Key Facts
Quotes
Important Quotes Explained
Further Study
Context
Full Book Quiz
Section Quizzes
Plot Overview
Character List
Analysis of Major Characters
Themes, Motifs & Symbols
Chapters 1-2
Chapters 3-5
Chapters 6-12
Chapters 13-17
Chapters 18-19
Chapters 20-21
Chapters 22-25
Chapters 26-30
Study Questions
Suggestions for Further Reading
Writing Help
How to Write Literary Analysis
Glossary of Literary Terms
How to Cite This SparkNote
Suggested Essay Topics
Teacher's Handbook
Further Study
Chapters 18-19 Quiz
Further Study
Chapters 18-19 Quiz
1
of 5
What historical event does Claggart allude to while revealing his suspicions about a potential mutiny?
The Battle of Trafalgar
The invention of gunpowder
The Sepoy Mutiny
The Nore mutiny
2
of 5
How does Captain Vere feel when Claggart accuses Billy of trying to lead a mutiny?
Disappointed in Billy
Fearful of Billy
Impressed with Claggart
Suspicious of Claggart
3
of 5
What is Billy's initial reaction when Claggart accuses him of leading a mutiny?
Speechless rage
Incomprehension
An admission of guilt
Eloquent self-defense
4
of 5
Billy accidentally kills Claggart with ___.
A musket
A paperweight
His bare fist
A pillow
5
of 5
After describing Claggart's death as a "divine judgment," what does Captain Vere say of the "angel" who delivered it?
He deserves a reward
He must be worshipped
He is evil
He must be hanged
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Chapters 13-17 Quick Quiz
Next section
Chapters 20-21 Quick Quiz
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Billy Budd, Sailor
Character List
CHARACTERS
Billy Budd: Character Analysis
CHARACTERS
Important Quotations Explained
MAIN IDEAS
Themes
MAIN IDEAS
Review Quiz
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