1.) When did you realize that Captain Delano was an unreliable narrator? From the time
he boards the San Dominic, there are recurring examples of his “blindness” to what is
going on around him. Describe specifically three or four obvious signs that he
misinterprets. How does he explain away things that initially trouble him?
2.) Discuss Captain Delano’s attitudes toward Black people in “Benito Cereno.” What
does he admire about Babo? About the African women? About Atufal? What behavior
by Black characters does he disapprove of?
3.) What does Captain Delano think of Benito Cereno? Provide 2 specific examples.
What stereotypes does he have of the Spanish? How do they cause him to misread
Cereno’s behavior?
4.) Discuss the powerful scene of Babo shaving Benito Cereno. What did you think was
happening? How did your perception of that scene change after you completed the
novella?
5.) What is really happening on the San Dominick? Why and how did the mutiny take
place?
