He was a faithful letter writer and established a reputation as a mesmerizing teller of tales. He gave full range to his imagination, as demonstrated by his comment about the writing of Moby-Dick: “I have a sort of sea-feeling. My room seems a ship’s cabin; and at nights when I […]
Read more Herman Melville BiographyCharacter Analysis Captain Vere
Vere’s most symbolic and controversial act is the trial and execution of Billy Budd, who seems like a son to him. (Note that some critics extend this notion to the point of claiming that Vere is Billy’s unknown parent.) Because of his immersion in duty, Vere wants nothing unexpected in […]
Read more Character Analysis Captain VereCharacter Analysis Claggart
Melville uses more physical description in outlining this character than he used in that of Billy or Captain Vere. Claggart is in his mid thirties, somewhat thin and tall. His small and shapely hands attest to light labor. His most notable features are a cleanly chiseled chin and cunning violet […]
Read more Character Analysis ClaggartCharacter Analysis Billy Budd
Billy’s characterization is one of Melville’s major accomplishments. A youth of outstanding beauty and sincere kindness, he exhibits ingenuous innocence reflecting his lack of awareness that evil exists. In fact, because of his innocent nature, Billy can be compared to Adam before God casts him from the Garden of Eden. […]
Read more Character Analysis Billy BuddSummary and Analysis Chapters 28-30
A few weeks after Billy’s execution, a notice appears in an authorized weekly naval chronicle stating that Billy stabbed Claggart with a sheath knife. The account also states that the assassin was not an Englishman, but rather an alien taking an English name. As is the custom in naval folklore, […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapters 28-30Summary and Analysis Chapters 25-27
There is complete silence at the instant of execution and for a brief time afterward. The men are dismissed. Reassembled after the sailmaker’s mates have readied the body for burial, the crew observes Billy’s interment. A strange murmur emanates from the men. The noise quickly ceases at the piping down […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapters 25-27Summary and Analysis Chapter 24
Analysis This chapter is the key to the main religious motif in the novel. Melville’s famed irony takes hold of the scene. In describing the prisoner early in the chapter, Melville again sounds a sarcastic note in an obvious attack on war, profiteering, and hypocrisy. The height of irony comes […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 24Summary and Analysis Chapters 22-23
Less than two hours later, the crew convenes on the moonlit deck. The captain tells them briefly and clearly what has happened — Claggart is dead; Billy Budd killed him and has been tried and convicted; he is sentenced to hang, and the execution will take place early the next […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapters 22-23Summary and Analysis Chapters 20-21
Privately, Captain Vere would also prefer to delay judgment until the ship rejoins the squadron. He exhibits no authority for authority’s sake, and he has no desire to monopolize responsibility that he can properly leave to his superiors or share with others. He feels, however, compelled by a potential mutiny […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapters 20-21Summary and Analysis Chapter 19
Ordering the sentry to admit no one, Vere directs Claggart to tell Billy face to face the story he had related to the captain, alleging Billy’s part in a conspiracy. Claggart confronts Billy with a hypnotic stare and repeats his charge. Billy is speechless. When Vere orders him to speak […]
Read more Summary and Analysis Chapter 19