Who Killed Claggart

Should mercy ever trump justice? Can we ever set aside the letter of the law to extend grace? If so, then would Billy Budd’s predicament warrant such a drastic action as to defy the court in which he was found guilty and extend Billy some grace for his impulsive, yet unintentional actions resulting in Tom Claggart’s unfortunate end? Some people believe Captain Vere should not have put Billy to death, while others are of the opinion that it was only fair to do so. Captain Vere should not have put Billy to death for three reasons: Billy did not mean to kill Claggart, Billy was the best sailor Captain Vere ever had serve under him, and Tom Claggart had it out for Billy. The first reason Captain Vere should not have killed Billy is Billy did not mean to kill Claggart. Billy could not control himself. When he punched Claggart he said it was like he had no control over himself or his own actions. A person who is unable to control themselves should be committed to an institution, not put to death. He had no malicious intent toward Claggart before he had been falsely accused of being a mutineer. Claggart was the one who tried to ignite Billy’s
He had been envious of Billy ever since he stepped foot aboard Captain Vere’s ship. He challenged Billy to a dual and even plotted a false story about him to get Billy killed and out of his hair, but did not consider the fact that his plan could back fire on him. This lack of preparation cost him his life and Billy’s. All this could have been avoided if only Tom Claggart had not been jealous of Billy Budd. Even if Billy had not been sentenced to death, he would have to bear the weight of a tarnished reputation and the knowledge that he had taken a man’s life until the end of his days. What a weight to be forced to bear upon one’s shoulders until death do you part with them. I for one would detest that