Monomania.
a) Contrasts and comparisons introduced for:.
2) Fate and the role it plays in the two novels.
3) Obsession and the role it plays in the two novels.
4) The role and appearance of religion in the two novels.
Contrast.
5) Openness and recognition of monomania in the main characters.
6) Origin of the evil nature of main characters.
7) The concept of innocence and how it does or does not apply to the main characters.
8) Conclusion.
a) Contrast and comparisons reintroduced for:.
i) Moby Dick.
ii) Billy Budd.
.
Monomania.
The novels Moby- Dick and Billy Budd, both by Herman Melville, are classic novels featuring adventure on the high seas. The two novels share some similarities but are also different in many ways. The novels both deal with the idea of fate and the role it plays in the lives of the characters. Obsession, to the point of monomania, is a driving force behind the actions of the main characters of both novels. Also, religion is present in the novels in the form of many symbols and carefully worded descriptions. However, many differences occur in the novels; among the most obvious is the concealment of Claggart's obsession compared to Ahab's open display and confession of his monomania. Furthermore, Ahab turns into an obsessed and evil man while Claggart is innately evil. Innocence also appears in both novels but the novels differ in that one portrays the preservation of innocence while another shows the loss of this quality.
In the novels Moby-Dick and Billy Budd the idea of fate governing the actions of the characters is present. Several main characters from both novels possess particularly fatalistic natures. Captain Ahab, for example, believes that " the path to my fixed purpose is laid with iron rails, whereon my soul is grooved to run"(Melville(1),161). A literary critic notes that "Ahab becomes sure of the fact that it is fate that pushes him towards the white whale" (Parke,584).
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...
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. ... 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. ... In this novel Billy's primary comparison is with the life or more specifically the death of Jesus Christ, although there are allusions to the Christ-Child. ... The allusi...
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. ...
