Themes Relating to Good Versus Evil in Billy Budd Essay Example For Students

Themes Relating to Good Versus Evil in Billy Budd Essay First originating as a poem about a middle-aged man on the eve of his execution, Billy Budd is the only true work of fiction written by Melville Bloom, Critical Views 198. The idea for the novella was probably suggested in part by an incident in 1842 in which a midshipman and two seamen of the American brig Somers were hanged at sea for mutiny Voss 44. Although it remained unpublished for until almost half a century after Melvilles death, Billy Budd quickly became one of his most popular works Bloom, Critical Views 198. Perhaps one of the most widely recognized themes in Billy Budd is the corruption of innocence by society Gilmore 18. Society in Billy Budd is represented by an eighteenth century English man-of-war, the H. M. S. Bellipotent. Billy, who represents innocence, is a young seaman of twenty-one who is endowed with physical strength, beauty, and good nature Voss 44. A crew member aboard the merchant ship Rights of Man, Billy is impressed by the English navy and is taken aboard the H. M. S. Bellipotent. As he boards the H. M. S. Bellipotent, he calmly utters, Goodbye, Rights of Man, a farewell to his ship and crewmates. We will write a custom essay on Themes Relating to Good Versus Evil in Billy Budd specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now However, this farewell is not only meant for his ship, but for his actual rights as well, the rights that would have kept him innocent until proven guilty under a normal society Gilmore 18. The society represented by the H. M. S. Bellipotent is much different from that of the outside world, as the various laws and regulations in effect during war turn a civilized society into more of a primitive state. The rights that are fought for during war were no longer possessed by the men on board the Bellipotent in an attempt to keep order as best as possible Gilmore 18. Billy was impressed by the English navy because of a need for good sailors. The Rights of Man cannot survive in the war-torn waters of the ocean without the protection of the Bellipotent, and the Bellipotent cannot protect the Rights of Man if it does not impress sailors Tucker 248. On the H. M. S. Bellipotent, Billy faces destruction from a force which he does not and cannot comprehend Gilmore 18. Billy was snatched from a safe berth aboard the Rights of Man so that he could be made into an example, which would hopefully suppress the primitive instinct to rebel in the other crew members Tucker 248. He lacks the sophistication and experience to roll with the punches, forcing him to succumb to this hostile society. Unlike the shifting keel of the ship, he cannot lean both ways, one way toward his natural innocence and trustfulness and the other toward the evil and conspiracy in society, causing him to break apart and sink Gilmore 18. It can also be interpreted that Billy is the true civilizer, for while the war in which the H. M. S. Bellipotent fights is a product of what passes for civilization, Billy is the maker of peace Gilmore 65. Another theme that critics feel is present in Billy Budd is that of the impersonality and brutality of the modern state. Billy was taken from a safe and protected environment on the Rights of Man and placed in a new, hostile setting, one which he was not prepared for and could not conform to. Once one of the strongest and most respected crew members on the Rights of Man, he was no longer regarded as such on the H. M. S. Bellipotent Bloom, Critical Views 211. However, his innocence and trustfulness remained with him, causing the crew to regard him as being more of a noble man, rather than the powerful man that he was on the Rights of Man. While most of the crew admired Billy for these qualities, John Claggart, Master-at-Arms for the H. M. S. Bellipotent, regards Billy with jealousy and malice Gilmore 24. Critics have described Claggart as the epitome of evil, residing on the periphery of order, and serving as both tempter and destroyer Bloom, Critical Views 207. .u8911f70d091ac020880c6d30881f5e41 , .u8911f70d091ac020880c6d30881f5e41 .postImageUrl , .u8911f70d091ac020880c6d30881f5e41 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .u8911f70d091ac020880c6d30881f5e41 , .u8911f70d091ac020880c6d30881f5e41:hover , .u8911f70d091ac020880c6d30881f5e41:visited , .u8911f70d091ac020880c6d30881f5e41:active { border:0!important; } .u8911f70d091ac020880c6d30881f5e41 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .u8911f70d091ac020880c6d30881f5e41 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .u8911f70d091ac020880c6d30881f5e41:active , .u8911f70d091ac020880c6d30881f5e41:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .u8911f70d091ac020880c6d30881f5e41 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .u8911f70d091ac020880c6d30881f5e41 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .u8911f70d091ac020880c6d30881f5e41 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .u8911f70d091ac020880c6d30881f5e41 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .u8911f70d091ac020880c6d30881f5e41:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .u8911f70d091ac020880c6d30881f5e41 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .u8911f70d091ac020880c6d30881f5e41 .u8911f70d091ac020880c6d30881f5e41-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .u8911f70d091ac020880c6d30881f5e41:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: J.K. Rowling's fifth book, Harry Potter EssayHe has been compared by Melville to Tecumseh and Titus Oates, and with his background being unknown, Melville makes his character appear even more evil to the reader Bloom, Critical Views 207. Ironically, Claggarts strength resides in his job as the shipboard peacekeeper. However, when his evil side takes control, it causes him to rear up like a coiled snake, ready to strike out at goodness Gilmore 24. When Billy becomes part of the H. M. S. Bellipotents crew, Claggarts jealousy and malice causes his evil side to take control. In an attempt to destroy Billys image of innocence and peacefulness, Claggart approaches Captain Vere and accuses Billy of attempted mutiny. Understandibly surprised at the accusation, Vere calls Billy and Claggart before him in order to question both sides. Billy, being afflicted by a stammer which prevents him from speaking when excited, involuntarily strikes Claggart when he learns of the false accusations, killing him instantly in the presence of Captain Vere Voss 44. Although Vere realizes that Billy acted without being able to contemplate his actions, he must decide whether or not to place Billy on trial as he is required by law to do. The Mutiny Act states that A blow to a superior, regardless of its effect, is a capital offense, and the law provides no exceptions for palliating circumstances Bloom, Chelsea House 157. Vere believes Billys story and knows that he never meant to kill Claggart. Nevertheless, he fears the possible consequences if Billy goes unpunished and that actual mutiny may take place if he delays Billys fate until the Bellipotent reaches land. Vere forms and persuades a drumhead court to put aside sympathy and act for the greater good of society the British navy Bloom, Critical Views 209. Most critics agree that Vere had to punish Billy, whether he was innocent or not, to assure the obedient well-being of society Billy Budd. Vere believes that life would fall to pieces if the necessities in life were not carried out. The occasional sacrifice of an expendable individual, no matter how brutal it may seem, is necessary for maintaining peace and order in society Foster 115. Although many themes can be interpreted from the novella Billy Budd, it is obvious to most that the prevalent theme in the novella is the battle between Good and Evil. When broken down into its simplest parts, Billy Budd deals with Billy, the representative of good and innocence, being falsely accused by Claggart, who represents evil, before an intelligent but feeling authority, Captain Vere Billy Budd. Claggart, the epitome of evil, attempts to be the perfect peacemaker, but the evil nature born within him and innate prevents him from doing so Voss 45. His evil flaw is easily enraged by the fact that Billy is a natural and admirable peacemaker, changing his character from the enforcer to the destroyer of peace. He has been described as a Jekyll and Hyde character, changing personalities from good to evil without control or warning Bloom, Critical Views 207. Vere, however, is the perfect balance between Billy and Claggart, opposing innovation and change, yet remaining at peace with the world Gilmore 23. He is endowed with qualities that make him the well-nigh perfect embodiment of the just and impartial judge Voss 45. Vere is the chief agent of law; many critics call him everything from a rigid military disciplinarian to an unprincipled aristocrat Gilmore 57. He experienced love when it didnt threaten duty Bloom, Critical Views 211. Although Vere believed that he was forced to punish Billy, he deeply regretted having to do so. Critics feel that Billy is like a son to Vere, and some even go as far to say that he is Veres long-lost son Bloom, Critical Views 208. However, any compromise at all in the decision is impossible, and so Vere, and we, are forced to confront the imperatives of law. There is no escape for Vere, and it is in this light that we must appreciate his reactions Gilmore 58. .ubbddc6e186ebfc3b6048b10b3ddd983d , .ubbddc6e186ebfc3b6048b10b3ddd983d .postImageUrl , .ubbddc6e186ebfc3b6048b10b3ddd983d .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ubbddc6e186ebfc3b6048b10b3ddd983d , .ubbddc6e186ebfc3b6048b10b3ddd983d:hover , .ubbddc6e186ebfc3b6048b10b3ddd983d:visited , .ubbddc6e186ebfc3b6048b10b3ddd983d:active { border:0!important; } .ubbddc6e186ebfc3b6048b10b3ddd983d .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ubbddc6e186ebfc3b6048b10b3ddd983d { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ubbddc6e186ebfc3b6048b10b3ddd983d:active , .ubbddc6e186ebfc3b6048b10b3ddd983d:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ubbddc6e186ebfc3b6048b10b3ddd983d .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ubbddc6e186ebfc3b6048b10b3ddd983d .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ubbddc6e186ebfc3b6048b10b3ddd983d .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ubbddc6e186ebfc3b6048b10b3ddd983d .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ubbddc6e186ebfc3b6048b10b3ddd983d:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ubbddc6e186ebfc3b6048b10b3ddd983d .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ubbddc6e186ebfc3b6048b10b3ddd983d .ubbddc6e186ebfc3b6048b10b3ddd983d-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ubbddc6e186ebfc3b6048b10b3ddd983d:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Bishop's "The Fish" Poetry Response EssayVere meets in private with Billy to discuss his sentence, culminating in a kind of sacrament Voss 46. His attitude of sympathy and feeling for Billy displays Veres belief that although evil may sometimes defeat good in a physical sense, good always prevails in the spirit and in the heart of man. Arthur Voss states that, in Billys Christian meekness and humility, his acceptance of his fate, his God bless Captain Vere just before execution, and his ascension in the full rose of dawn, some of Melvilles critics see an affirmation that goodness persists and triumphs over evil and injustice 45. Billy, though innocent, is not perfect. Some critics feel that Billy may represent Melvilles late-in-life subordination of will to Gods infinite judgment Gilmore 24. Melville is also thought to have believed that Christianity is the center of an order that is slowly slipping away, and therefore has made Billy a Christ figure Tucker 316. Billys calm acceptance of his fate further develops this Christlike character. He feels for Vere and understands the circumstances under which Vere is forced to punish him Bloom, Critical Views 209. When he cries, God bless Captain Vere! just moments before his execution, Vere, either through stoic self-control or a sort of momentary paralysis induced by emotional shock, stands exactly rigid in the ship-armorers rack. His blessing of Vere, like Christs blessing of His enemies, shows that he feels no resentment toward those who are taking his life from him Gilmore 59. Although the official naval report makes Billy the villain and Claggart the hero, Bil ly proves that after he is executed, the good that he stands for will continue to live, always defeating the troubles of evil in the heart of man. Melville goes on to imply that society does not know how to differentiate true good from evil. The law and society has not yet learned how to deal with man as a flawed individual. The laws insanity is like that earlier attributed to Claggart: although apparently subject to reason, it is deeply irrational. In Billys case, the law is unable to distinguish the human being from his act Gilmore 63. Billys death had a profound impact on the crew of the H. M. S. Bellipotent. Many members of the crew respected the good that Billy stood for and felt that he should not have been executed for his crime, as did Vere. Billy becomes a martyr for the crew of the Bellipotent they continue to remember and to uphold the lessons learned from his character. Pieces of the mast from which he was hanged are saved and cherished like pieces of the cross would be cherished by devout Christians Van Doren 617. The men that witnessed Billys execution remembered the event as one of historys most tragic days for the rest of their lives. And, on his deathbed, even strong Captain Vere displayed his affection for Billy and the impact that he had on his life with his dying words, Billy Budd, Billy Budd. Gilmore 23

Privatisation of Telstra essays

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