One of Claggart’s main reasons of discomfort with Billy was because of his striking appearance. “As to what it was that had first moved him against Billy, namely, his significant personal beauty” (Melville, 1611). Because of this, Claggart caused many problems for Billy. “If askance he eyed the good looks, cheery healthy, and frank enjoyment of young life in Billy Budd, it was because these went along with a nature..” (Melville 1610). Claggart’s dislike for Billy is deeply rooted in envy. Later in the story, death was a result of Claggart’s jealousy. Claggart knew exactly what he was doing when he pushed Billy. Billy’s punishment was in a way his own fate. In Carolyn Karcher’s essay, she states, “It is no accident, of course, that the
