The idealism in Melville's Billy Budd

M.S. Bellipotent stands as a attri ande of society. On this microcosm of society, the rule of law and order moldiness supercede the rights of the individual. The Rights-of-Man, in contrast, is a ship whose name epitomises the greater individual freedoms of its relatively happier conspiracy members than those of the Bellipotent. On the Bellipotent, truncheon's innocence makes him unable to recognize Claggart as an enemy. Claggart tries to persuade separates that Billy is a "mantrap under the daises," but no one who knows the nanve sailor believes this, (Melville p. 95). When Billy spills his soup, Claggart maintains it was intentional and non 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 argon told that Billy is convicted of encouraging the crew members to confusion, but we are also told that Billy "Budd proposed neither mutiny nor homicide," (Melville p. 111). Captain Vere must condemn Billy

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 On the Bellipotent, a war ship, smashed law and order must be maintained and must superceded individual liberties to prevent anarchy.

On the Rights-of-Man, individuals enjoy greater individualised liberties. In these two symbols, we see the dilemma for individuals living in societies. Individual liberties must be tempered by incorporated 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 cuss was," (Melville p. 115).

o die, but he is torn by it since he has always seen the innocence and virtue in Billy. However, Vere understands that in whatsoever society (i.e. the B
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