The Role Of Mutiny In Herman Melville's Billy Budd

Decent Essays
In Herman Melville's book Billy Budd the innocent Billy Budd killed the evil Claggart. Claggart wrongly accused Billy of mutiny on board the warship. Billy did not know what to say and punched on accident Claggart resulting in death. Captain Vere who was present decides to hang Billy Budd. Was he right in hanging him? Yes he was.

Here is an example of similar event from the Bible from the book of Genesis. Satan lured man to eat the forbidden fruit. Claggart accuses Billy of mutiny causing Billy to punch him. Even though God loves Adam and Eve he punished them with limited lives. Captain Vere hanged Billy even though he liked him as well.

What is mutiny? Mutiny is “an open rebellion against the proper authorities, especially by soldiers or

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