Billy Budd Justice

Correctness has been synonymous with justice since the arrival of modern law. However, to claim that “justice” is equal to “being correct” is to bastardize the very essence of “correctness”. This is a result of modeling our justice system after our very own sense of what is correct -- what we believe is best for society. But as one might realize, there then appears a flaw with our justice: What if one’s sense of justice does not agree with another’s sense of justice? What if this very issue escalates to arguments between groups? Or between nations? It then becomes apparent that our sense of justice is rather moot. In fact, this is exemplified well in a nineteenth century novel, Billy Budd, by Herman Melville, where the personification of innocence, …show more content…
From a basic standpoint, we can explore Vere’s action through social expectation. It’s clear to see that because of his high position, there are politics surrounding each critical decision he makes. Naturally, if he makes an incorrect decision, he could suffer loss of rank, suspension of pay, or other forms of punishment. But throughout the novel, he displays family affection towards Billy Budd, something which would otherwise be nonexistent. He continues this affection throughout the course of the novel, even during the martial trial in which he states “‘I believe you, my man.’” (127) If this is the case, why does Vere decide to eliminate Billy? The answer arrives from Schopenhauer’s Reading versus Thinking argument. Schopenhauer claims that, in essence, that there needs to be a balance between reading and thinking. He claims that reading builds the foundation for thinking, thinking provides power, and that we cannot focus too heavily on either aspect. Applying this to Vere, Schopenhauer’s reading is Vere’s experience and knowledge, while Schopenhauer’s thinking is Vere’s situational rationale and moral. We, as readers, expect that Vere would base his decision to end Billy’s life based on his situational rationale and especially his moral, since Billy is seen as both a son and an angel (Explained further below). However, in actuality, his decision is based on his experience and knowledge. It is implied throughout Chapter 22 that any method to pardon the manslaughter Billy committed would ultimately result in chaos to ranks, punishment to the superior officers (Vere included), and a dangerous precedent which may allow future leniency to other criminals. This effect is further propelled by the fact that Billy is tried under material court rather than civil court. To allow Billy to live is to allow the system to unravel, and Vere sees this consequence. As a result, he cannot allow Billy to