Billy Budd Chapter 1-3 Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What does 'cynosure' mean?

The center of attention

What does 'welkin-eyed' describe?

Sky blue eyes

What does 'impressed' mean in the context of a ship?

Assigned to

What does 'complement' refer to?

A full group Signup and view all the answers

What does 'demur' mean?

Objection Signup and view all the answers

What does 'reproach' mean?

Scold Signup and view all the answers

What does 'corpulence' refer to?

Fat Signup and view all the answers

What does 'prepossessing' mean?

Careful Signup and view all the answers

What does 'aridity' refer to?

Dryness Signup and view all the answers

What does 'rueful' mean?

Sad, regret Signup and view all the answers

What does 'treacle' refer to?

Honey Signup and view all the answers

What does 'ugly row' mean?

Argument, fight Signup and view all the answers

What does 'celerity' mean?

Speed Signup and view all the answers

What does 'genial' mean?

Friendly Signup and view all the answers

What does 'vicissitude' mean?

Change Signup and view all the answers

What does 'fatalist' mean?

Go with the flow Signup and view all the answers

What does 'sulleness' refer to?

Very sad Signup and view all the answers

What does 'hearth' mean?

Fireplace home Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of Billy's old ship?

The Rights of Man Signup and view all the answers

How does Billy react when he gets picked to leave the ship?

He is happy Signup and view all the answers

How do Billy's shipmates react to his reaction of being picked to leave?

They are surprised and they scold him Signup and view all the answers

Who is Captain Graveling?

The captain of the Rights of Man Signup and view all the answers

How does Captain Graveling react to being told Billy is being taken from him?

He's so upset that Billy is leaving Signup and view all the answers

What does the Lieutenant tell Captain Graveling about the king?

That he would be very impressed to hear that the Captain gave up his best sailor to another ship in need Signup and view all the answers

Why does the Lieutenant yell at Billy while the ship is leaving?

He says goodbye to the ship Signup and view all the answers

What does 'rectitude' mean?

Morally correct Signup and view all the answers

How is the reaction to Billy Budd by the other sailors different here in the Indomitable than it was on the Rights?

He is not given as much attention, he somewhat blends in Signup and view all the answers

How does Billy Budd look relevant to his age?

He is 21 but he looks younger due to his soft feminine face Signup and view all the answers

How is Billy's appearance contrasted with that of the other sailors?

He looks less experienced Signup and view all the answers

How do the harder faces and the intelligent sailors react to Billy?

They smile when they see him, his charm is still affecting the other sailors but subtler Signup and view all the answers

How does Billy respond when asked about his place of origin?

He does not know Signup and view all the answers

What do we learn about Billy's level of education and his hobby?

He is illiterate and likes to sing Signup and view all the answers

Why does Melville describe Billy as an 'upright barbarian'?

Because he is uncivilized, but he is good and honest Signup and view all the answers

What do we learn about Billy's speech?

He has a stutter Signup and view all the answers

What does the author say about Satan and Billy?

He says that even though Billy is pure and innocent, Satan has still struck him by giving him a severe stutter Signup and view all the answers

How does the fact about Billy's stutter affect the nature of the story?

Billy is not a hero and there is no romance Signup and view all the answers

Explain the circumstances of the recent mutinous spirit among various ships in the English fleet.

The crews are revolting and taking over the ship Signup and view all the answers

How does the English government deal with the mutinous mood of the time?

They controlled the revolts and they have kept it low key Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Vocabulary Terms

Cynosure: Refers to the center of attention, a focal point in a situation.
Welkin-eyed: Describes someone with sky blue eyes, suggesting beauty and innocence.
Impressed: Indicates being assigned or enlisted into military service.
Complement: Means a full group or a complete set, typically referring to personnel on a ship.
Demur: Denotes an objection, often utilized in formal contexts.
Reproach: Means to scold or express disappointment towards someone's actions.
Corpulence: Describes obesity or being overweight, a physical trait.
Prepossessing: Indicates being careful or attractive, often implying charm.
Aridity: Refers to dryness, whether literal (climate) or metaphorical (lack of emotion or vitality).
Rueful: Conveys feelings of sadness or regret over something lost or done.
Treacle: A term for a sticky substance like honey; can also refer to something overly sentimental.
Ugly row: A phrase that means an argument or a fight, typically involving heated emotions.
Celerity: Represents speed or quickness in action or response.
Genial: Describes someone who is friendly and cheerful, fostering a pleasant atmosphere.
Vicissitude: Refers to change or variations, particularly in circumstances or fortunes.
Fatalist: Denotes an attitude of accepting events as inevitable, going with the flow.
Sulleness: Reflects a state of being very sad, often characterized by a gloomy demeanor.
Hearth: Represents the fireplace, symbolizing home, warmth, and family life.

Key Characters & Events

Billy's Old Ship: The vessel he previously sailed on is named "The Rights of Man."
Billy's Reaction to Leaving: He expresses happiness upon being selected to leave the ship, showcasing a positive outlook.
Shipmates' Reaction: Billy's shipmates are surprised and scold him for his joyful demeanor, which contrasts with expectations.
Captain Graveling: He is the captain of "The Rights of Man" and shows deep regret and upset over losing Billy to another ship.
Lieutenant's Commentary: The lieutenant informs Captain Graveling that the King would be impressed to learn of his sacrifice in parting with his best sailor.
Billy's Departure: While leaving the ship, Billy bids farewell, prompting a reprimand from the lieutenant.
Billy's Adaptation: Upon joining the Indomitable, Billy receives less attention from sailors, blending in rather than standing out.

Characteristics of Billy Budd

Physical Appearance: At age 21, Billy has a youthful, soft, and feminine appearance, making him look younger than his age.
Contrasting Sailors: Compared to other sailors, Billy appears less experienced, which highlights his innocence.
Reception by Sailors: The hard-faced, intelligent sailors smile upon seeing Billy, indicating his charm still has an effect, albeit subtly.
Origin and Education: Billy is not aware of his place of origin, is illiterate, and has a passion for singing.
"Upright Barbarian": Critiques of Billy highlight that while he is uncivilized, he embodies goodness and honesty despite social inadequacies.
Speech Impediment: Billy possesses a stutter, which contributes to his characterization as complex and imperfect.
Satan's Influence: The narrative suggests that his innocence is marred by his stutter, paralleling themes of purity and corruption within the story.

Societal Context

Mutinous Spirit: There is an atmosphere of rebellion among various ships in the English fleet, with crews attempting to take control.
Government Response: The English government manages the situation by containing revolts and keeping unrest at a minimum.

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Description

Test your knowledge with this set of flashcards covering key vocabulary from chapters 1 to 3 of 'Billy Budd'. Each card features a word along with its definition, helping you to enhance your understanding of the text. Perfect for students looking to improve their literary vocabulary.