Billy Bud As A Christ Figure Analysis

In literature, many authors, often unknowingly, write in characters known as 'Christ figures'. To be a Christ figure, a character must possess Christ-like traits such as loving kindness, forgiveness, humility, healing, or sacrifice. They also have to face circumstances similar to what Jesus faced. From being tempted to being crucified, Christ figures endure many hardships and often act as a savior to others in the story. Billy Bud acts as the Christ figure in Billy Bud because he shows great innocence and humility as well as endures hardships and even death in a humble, Christ like way.
As Billy Bud is introduced, he is leaving his old ship, the Rights of Man, and going to work on the Bellipotent under orders of the King. While Billy was a friend and peacemaker aboard the Rights, much of his value was lost among the crew of the new ship. He became less of a focal point. This mirrors Jesus’ descent …show more content…
Billy died an innocent man who did not have the capacity to do evil intentionally. Jesus died a man who knew no sin. Furthermore, The spar on which Billy hung was revered among sailors like Jesus' cross. Billy was remembered as the kind of man the other sailors wished they could be. He possessed traits that were hard to live up to because they were so incorruptible. Billy was a Christ figure to the rest of the men in this way. Jesus was not of this world, neither was Billy Bud, and they both died to the world in the end.
Billy shows he is the Christ figure of his story in these and countless other ways. Many scholars suspect that Billy Bud is actually a retelling of the story of Jesus. There are many references to the bible and Billy is also referred to as an angel. More importantly, Billy exhibits Christ-like traits such as peace, innocence and humility. He also endures persecution, testing and death, which serve to make Billy Bud a prominent Christ figure in his