How Does Billy Budd Show The Nature Of Evil
The story of Billy Budd focuses on the distinction between laws of nature and laws of society. Billy Budd is a seaman for the British Royal Navy that is forced off his current ship, to a new ship and new crew. Billy’s primary quality is his extraordinary innocence. One of his main weaknesses is his lack of ability to comprehend evil and become blind due to his kindness. This along with his speech impediment ultimately leads to Billy’s demise.
Due to his good looks and natural charisma, he becomes popular with the crew. Unfortunately, one crew member, the Master-at-arms, John Claggart, doesn’t grow too fond of him, for unexplained reasons. Shortly after being on the ship Claggart falsely accuses Billy Budd of revolting …show more content…
“The judge is not responsible for the content of the law but for its straightforward application.” (Dyzenhaus, p.177) The summoning of the drumhead court is not intended as a way to run away from his responsibilities, but Captain Vere sees it as a way of creating fairness for the outcome. In the eyes of the law, one that flees the scene of the crime is often guilty. In Billy’s case, one that kills his accuser, must also be guilty. Captain Vere, who shows sympathy and compassion for a friend, can truly see that Billy is innocent. However, due to his positivist nature, he feels that it’s his duty as Captain to follow the letter of the law. A judge is responsible for the law’s application. In this case, one who strikes his superior is sentenced to be hanged. This brings about a predicament and overall theme of the story, which holds greater importance: the individual or society? In Captain Vere’s case, he is essentially a king on the ship. A king represents authority and must hold society in place. Does his moral obligation towards his friend outweigh his legal obligation towards society? This question is never answered directly. However, Vere’s last words before his death, “Billy Budd, Billy Budd” (Melville, p.179) clearly show that he’s pained by this guilt after he followed the letter of the law and betrayed his friend, instead of following his
Due to his good looks and natural charisma, he becomes popular with the crew. Unfortunately, one crew member, the Master-at-arms, John Claggart, doesn’t grow too fond of him, for unexplained reasons. Shortly after being on the ship Claggart falsely accuses Billy Budd of revolting …show more content…
“The judge is not responsible for the content of the law but for its straightforward application.” (Dyzenhaus, p.177) The summoning of the drumhead court is not intended as a way to run away from his responsibilities, but Captain Vere sees it as a way of creating fairness for the outcome. In the eyes of the law, one that flees the scene of the crime is often guilty. In Billy’s case, one that kills his accuser, must also be guilty. Captain Vere, who shows sympathy and compassion for a friend, can truly see that Billy is innocent. However, due to his positivist nature, he feels that it’s his duty as Captain to follow the letter of the law. A judge is responsible for the law’s application. In this case, one who strikes his superior is sentenced to be hanged. This brings about a predicament and overall theme of the story, which holds greater importance: the individual or society? In Captain Vere’s case, he is essentially a king on the ship. A king represents authority and must hold society in place. Does his moral obligation towards his friend outweigh his legal obligation towards society? This question is never answered directly. However, Vere’s last words before his death, “Billy Budd, Billy Budd” (Melville, p.179) clearly show that he’s pained by this guilt after he followed the letter of the law and betrayed his friend, instead of following his