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Essay / Research Paper Abstract
A 4 page essay that discusses the structure and message of this classic novel. In Billy Budd, novelist Herman Melville pictures two archetypal characters, his protagonist Billy and Billy's archenemy John Claggart. These two characters are diametrically opposed in their views toward life. Billy accepts everyone at face value, and wants to believe the best of people. Billy simply wants to do his job and have others like him. Claggart, on the other hand, superimposes his own view of human behavior on the actions of others, seeing evil ulterior motives where none actually exist. He is a man who has given in completely to the darker side of human nature. By representing pure innocence (Billy) as opposed to pure malice (Claggart), Melville creates a cautionary tale that portrays the danger of being innocent in a world where there is evil. No additional sources cited.
Page Count:
4 pages (~225 words per page)
File: D0_khbbudd.rtf
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Unformatted sample text from the term paper:
life. Billy accepts everyone at face value, and wants to believe the best of people. Billy simply wants to do his job and have others like him. Claggart, on the
other hand, superimposes his own view of human behavior on the actions of others, seeing evil ulterior motives where none actually exist. He is a man who has given in
completely to the darker side of human nature. By representing pure innocence (Billy) as opposed to pure malice (Claggart), Melville creates a cautionary tale that portrays the danger of being
innocent in a world where there is evil. Billy is consistently portrayed throughout the novel as a conscientious, likeable, handsome young man who only wants to fit into the
company of his new crew. The novel takes place at the end of the eighteenth century and, in order for the British navy to procure enough sailors, warships would stop
merchant vessels and impress sailors, that is involuntary recruits, from their crews. However, once Billy is commandeered into the British navy from his chosen vessel, a merchant ship, he tries
to fit in and do his job. This tendency is further emphasized when Billy witnesses another sailor being punished for a rule infraction by receiving a lashing. Billy
endeavors to avoid such a punishment by doing an exemplary job. Nevertheless, trouble develops and Billy seeks the advice of an older sailor. Melville emphasizes Billys total innocence when he
rejects Danskers explanation for why Claggart, the ships master-at-arms, is persecuting him. Billy cannot comprehend how a person could dislike him, even hate him, for no discernible reason. His innocence
will not allow him to discern evil and recognize its danger. Similarly, Melville underscores the evil nature of Claggart. When Billy accidentally spills his soup on Claggarts feet, Claggart
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