Billy Budd Character Analysis

Captain Vere is a man of many qualities and many responsibilities. Just like Vere plays an integral role on the H.M.S Bellipotent, he plays an integral role in the whole story of Billy Budd. Captain Vere is the head of the Bellipotent and is the overseer of all activity that occurs on the ship. Vere is known for his intelligence, truth, virtue, and dedication to his duty. Vere never hesitates to put the betterment of the ship before the betterment of the individual, even if he does care for the individual greatly. The morals that Vere holds dear to himself will cause him great deals of stress and conflict when he is confronted with a situation regarding Billy Budd. It is literally a life or death decision. Vere is the clear cut definition
Vere’s allegiance to his crew and crewmen was not the only factor that made the decision difficult for him. He liked Billy, he enjoyed the work that he had done. When Claggart had first told Vere of his suspicions, Vere was noticeably shocked because he could never think that the innocent Billy Budd could take any part in treason. In the quote, “...he was no lover of authority for mere authority’s sake”, it is expressed that Vere has a rationale for doing something. He wouldn’t kill Billy for if he didn't believe it was absolutely necessary, as exemplified in the quote, “... he was no lover of authority for mere authority’s sake He trusts and loves his men, but when the time comes that authority must be dished out, he does not place the relationship with the crew above the good of the ship. Captain Vere represents a god-like authority on the ship, and Billy is one of his angels. It is difficult for Vere to make the decision he did against someone he cares about so deeply. Vere is conflicted, but he knows Billy must die. Shortly after Billy killed Claggart, Vere said “ … Struck dead by an angel of God! Yet the angel must hang!” He realizes just how special Billy is, but knows that there is no other fate for