A Discussion About Billy Budd Essay

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document

Total Length: 496 words ( 2 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 0

Page 1 of 2

Billy Budd: A Story of Protested InnocenceDescribe Billy Budd. Why do you think Melville might have created a character like Billy?Described early on by the author as “the Handsome Sailor,” Billy Budd is Melville\'s story of a handsome, innocent young foretopman who, unable to defend himself verbally due to a stutter, fatally strikes an officer who falsely accuses him of mutiny. This incident leads to his execution despite his evident moral purity and the captain’s seeming reluctance to enforce harsh naval law. In sum, Melville creates Billy Budd as an archetype of pure innocence and natural goodness - a character whose physical beauty mirrors his inner virtue.What types of things do you predict might happen to him?The protagonist is repeatedly described as having a child-like innocence, manifesting both in his demeanor and his naive inability to perceive evil in others. Conversely, Billy’s stutter, which emerges when he is emotionally distressed, represents his inability to defend himself against the corruption and complexity of the civilized world, suggesting that he will be taken advantage of or abused by his peers and superiors.Why does the crew like him so much?The crew’s overwhelming affection for Billy stems from his genuine kindness, willing helpfulness, and…

[…… parts of this paper are missing, click here to view the entire document ]

…for another’s freedom, which parallels the novel’s exploration of personal sacrifice in the face of institutional power.

Stuck Writing Your "A Discussion About Billy Budd" Essay?

View All Our Example A Discussion About Billy Budd Essay

Have A Custom Example Essay Written

The reference to being “turned down” and facing negative consequences “because of us” suggests the social price of going against established norms, much as Billy’s natural goodness ultimately conflicts with naval authority and structure. Likewise, the repeated question, “So you think you should?” and mention that “everyone’s laughing” evokes the tension between individual conscience and societal judgment that runs throughout Melville\'s work. This connects to Billy\'s position as someone who stands apart from conventional society, though in his case through innate innocence rather than….....

Show More ⇣

     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"A Discussion About Billy Budd" (2024, November 26) Retrieved May 21, 2025, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/discussion-billy-budd-2182628

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"A Discussion About Billy Budd" 26 November 2024. Web.21 May. 2025. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/discussion-billy-budd-2182628>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"A Discussion About Billy Budd", 26 November 2024, Accessed.21 May. 2025,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/discussion-billy-budd-2182628
   

Open, View, and/or
Download this Document
order custom essay example