A man “in whom was the mania of an evil nature, not engendered by vicious training or corrupting books or licentious living but born with him and innate, in short a depravity according to nature.” Melville describes Claggart as a man with an inborn evil, in contrast to being influenced by an evil society. Claggart is presented as a man with a personality and character that contrasts and conflicts with Billy’s sweet innocence and ignorance. Where Billy is sweet, Claggart is bitter. Where Billy is naïve, Claggart is knowledgeable. Where Billy is satisfied, Claggart is jealous. Lastly, where Billy i
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