Billy's Idealism in Melville

S. Bellipotent stands as a symbolism of society. On this microcosm of society, the rule of law and order mustiness supercede the rights of the individual. The Rights-of-Man, in contrast, is a ship whose name stand fors the greater individual freedoms of its relatively happier combination members than those of the Bellipotent. On the Bellipotent, billy club's sinlessness makes him unable to recognize Claggart as an enemy. Claggart tries to persuade separates that Billy is a "mantrap under the daises," moreover no one who knows the nanve sailor believes this, (Melville p. 95). When Billy spills his soup, Claggart maintains it was intentional and not the accident it is. Billy is charged by being a mutineer by Claggart. Because of his speech impediment and his inability to respond to evil, Billy attacks Claggart, inadvertently killing him.

We atomic number 18 told that Billy is convicted of encouraging the crew members to mutiny, but we are also told that Billy "Budd proposed neither mutiny nor homicide," (Melville p. 111). Captain Vere must condemn Billy to die, but

Melville, Herman. Billy Budd: Sailor. Chicago, IL: University of Chicago Press, 1962.

The two ships symbolize the dilemma for Captain Vere.

On the Bellipotent, a war ship, exacting law and order must be maintained and must superceded individual liberties to prevent anarchy. On the Rights-of-Man, individuals enjoy greater face-to-face liberties. In these two symbols, we see the dilemma for individuals living in societies. Individual liberties must be tempered by bodied rules, norms, and laws for the good of all members of society. Vere understands that though the punishment against Billy is severe, he must be punished to send this message to the other men on the ship. Even so, because of Billy's idealism and innocence, the Captain suffers for his decision. We are told that "the condemned one suffered less than he who mainly had effected the article of faith was," (Melville p. 115).

he is torn by it since he has always seen the innocence and virtue in Billy. However, Vere understands that in any society (i.e. the Bellipotent)
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