In the short novel "Billy Budd" written by Herman Melville, Captain Vere's choice of whether or not a single character such as Billy Budd possesses a higher importance than that of the general public is debated. The individual is not as essential or imperative as the well-being and welfare of society as a whole. The permanence of society holds a higher importance than that of individualism and must willingly discharge the civil liberties of a single person.
The premise of duty versus desire is prevalent throughout the novel establishing the fact that sentimental feelings must be set aside in order to arrive at a valid ending. Even though the "condemned one suffered less than he who . . . effected the condemnation," (Melville 72) Captain Vere realizes that it is crucial that he stays away from emotions "that may tend to enervate decision." (Melville 66) As an intellectual and accountable character, Captain Vere realizes the need to perform his duties regardless of the fact that his heart may possibly be telling him to do otherwise. While contemplating on the fate of Billy Budd, Captain Vere who is "prompted by duty and the law," (Melville 69) responds and declares that this state of affairs must be dealt with in "a practical manner." (Melville 66) This situation is to be managed in a realistic and sensible manner despite the fact that there is a profound familiarity between the convict and the captain. Moral and ethics have a superior priority over passion and emotion. .
It is the duty and responsibility of the captain to formulate the correct verdict that will benefit the entire crew. Captain Vere is "mindful" of his "paramount obligations" (Melville 66) to maintain tranquility and serenity upon the ship in an attempt to alleviate the situation. Arbitrary discipline has been in order upon the ship nullifying the chance of mutiny; therefore it is necessary that Captain Vere fulfills his role as captain and continue with standard proceedings.
The poem is ironic because Billy Budd did not drown, he was hung. ... This quote is ironic because the "criminal" was not a criminal, Billy Budd was a hero in the story. Melville again tries to accuse Billy Budd of being an evil character. ... The context, however, does show a hint of accusation towards Billy Budd. ... The tendency of Melville presenting Billy Budd as evil, strikes an outrageous idea. ...
Therefore, Claggort was Billy's antagonist throughout Billy Budd. Also symbolic to the novel is the actual demise of both Claggort and Billy Budd. ... Claggort's death completely contrasts with the pure death of Billy Budd. ... In contrast to Claggort, Billy Budd's "welkin-eyes", blonde hair, and tan complexion ultimately portray good. ... Through out the novel Billy Budd is never aware of Claggort's ill will towards him. ...
There are three main characters in Herman Melville's Billy Budd, Sailor: Billy Budd, John Claggart, and Captain Vere. ... Different from Billy Budd, John Claggart is characterized as intelligent and sophisticated. ... He appreciates Billy Budd's innocent charm, but he despairs of sharing it. ... His high-sounding reasons for hanging Billy Budd is just the disguise of his fear. ... Billy Budd, Sailor has a simple plot, but meanwhile contains a variety of meanings. ...
Billy Budd - Individualism There is much to be said about individualism. ... Billy Budd and Ignatius Reilly were both prime examples of individuals. ... Billy Budd has remarkable looks. ... Billy Budd shows the positive side of individualism. ... Billy Budd brought out all the high aspects of it by being a leader and peacemaker to all of his shipmates. ...
In Herman Melville's Billy Budd, Melville uses the literary device of foreshadowing to allow the audience to be aware of Billy's inevitable fate before the characters in the novel, thus creating a feeling of suspense within the novel. Melville begins using foreshadowing early in the novel when he describes Billy Budd as a tall handsome sailor that was well adored by mostly all who knew him. ... At this point all the elements of foreshadowing within the novel have finally come together resulting in the climax and resolution within Billy Budd. Without the element of foreshad...
In the novel, Billy Budd by Herman Melville, emotions, and the actions based on them, play a considerable role in the fate of Billy Budd, Claggart and Captain Vere. ... One may wonder if Vere's destiny would go about differently if Billy Budd was still alive. Seconds before Billy is hung he says "'God bless Captain Vere!'" ... This demonstrates the emotional impact Billy had on Vere with his last words. Later when Vere is dieing from being wounded by the French, " he was heard to murmur words inexplicable to his attendant-'Billy Budd, Billy Budd," (92 Melville)and although...
Billy Budd and Jesus Christ After reading the story Billy Budd, I could see how the story of Billy Budd is very similar to the story of crucifixion of Christ. ... Billy Budd was an almost perfect guy with looks and charm and that everyone liked. ... He was really jealous of Billy and secretly thought that 2 Billy was plotting against him and tried to belittle Billy whenever he could yet hid it well from Billy even though everyone had warned Billy that the master of arms really didn't like him. ... Billy didn't know what to think of this. .....
Billy Budd, by Herman Melville is an allegory; because the characters represent abstract qualities. Billy Budd represents Jesus Christ, Captain Vere represents God, and John Claggart represents Lucifer. ... Billy Budd was an innocent man physically and mentally. ... Billy Budd suffers a similar demise. ... The classic battle between innocence and evil comes alive with symbolism in Herman Melville's allegory, Billy Budd, with Billy Budd, Captain Vere, and Claggart being portrayed as Jesus Christ, God, and Lucifer. ...
Herman Melville's novel, Billy Budd, tells the story of a young man who is recruited by the British Navy to the H.M.S. ... He is received well by most of his fellow sailors who like Billy Budd are often alluded to people and stories from the Bible. ... These biblical allusions in Billy Budd provide the reader with a better understanding of many of the main characters and events including Billy Budd's comparison with Jesus Christ. ... Claggart lies to Captain Vere that Billy Budd is conspiring to commit mutiny on board the H.M.S. ... The allusions to the adult Jesus concerning B...
Many themes relating to the conflict between Good and Evil can be found in Herman Melville's novella Billy Budd, Foretopman. ... Perhaps one of the most widely recognized themes in Billy Budd is the corruption of innocence by society (Gilmore 18). Society in Billy Budd is represented by an eighteenth century English man-of-war, the H.M.S. ... Most critics agree that Vere had to punish Billy, whether he was innocent or not, to assure the obedient well-being of society ("Billy Budd"). ... When broken down into its simplest parts, Billy Budd deals with Billy, the representative...
