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Search all of SparkNotes
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Suggestions
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A Tale of Two Cities
As You Like It
Don Quixote
Heart of Darkness
The Book Thief
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
Plot Overview Quiz
Further Study
Plot Overview Quiz
1
of 5
When is Billy Budd, Sailor set?
The mid sixteenth century
The early seventeenth century
The late eighteenth century
The early twentieth century
2
of 5
What kind of ship "impresses" Billy into service as one of its sailors?
A pirate ship
A merchant ship
A navy ship
A passenger ship
3
of 5
Claggart accuses Billy of ___.
Leading a mutiny
Spying
Stealing food
Starting a fire
4
of 5
What punishment does a drumhead court sentence Billy to for accidentally killing Claggart?
Scrubbing the decks
Reduced rations
Walking the plank
Death by hanging
5
of 5
What are Billy's last words before being hanged?
"You'll pay, Vere!"
"O captain, my captain!"
"God bless Captain Vere!"
"Follow your leader."
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Billy Budd, Sailor
Character List
CHARACTERS
Billy Budd: Character Analysis
CHARACTERS
Important Quotations Explained
MAIN IDEAS
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MAIN IDEAS
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