Abercrombie Vs American Eagle
Billy Budd Vs. John Claggart
The idea of good and evil is frequently portrayed in Herman Melville’s Billy Budd, Sailor. There have been many educated studies about this topic. By exploring the novella itself and corresponding it with various subjects written by critics, the distinction between the protagonist and antagonist of the story is clear. Both sides are represented in the stories main characters, the belief of good and innocence is portrayed in Billy Budd, while pure evil is demonstrated in John Claggart.
Billy Budd is not only a symbol of good, he represents the purity and innocence of a man untainted by the environment around him that is filled with anger and war. Even Billy’s last name represents a fresh bud that has not grown yet. Billy’s admirable qualities are directly acknowledged in the story when he leaves the “Rights of Man” to join Captain Vere and his crew. Billy’s old captain immediately voices his displeasure on losing such a fine sailor by saying,
“Beg pardon, but you don’t understand, Lieutenant. See here, now. Before I shipped that young fellow, my forecastle was a rat-pit of quarrels. It was black times, I tell you, aboard the Rights here. I was worried to that degree my pipe had no comfort for me. But Billy came and it was like a Catholic priest striking a peace in an Irish shindy…a virtue went out of him, sugaring the sour ones (p933)”.
It is stated clearly from the start of the story that the presence of good radiates from Billy, and he even has the ability to bring peace to cruel and bickering men. Billy shipmates often refer to him as a priest like figure, one who cleanses the anger away from them and replaces it with friendship and harmony. As a result, Billy Budd is admired by his fellow sailors. Billy’s looks also contributes to this. He is described as a “handsome sailor” one who posses “unpretentious good looks and a sort of genial happy go lucky air”...
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