Discuss the theme from the following topics - Essay Example

Billy Budd, Sailor Discuss the role of captain Vere in Billy Budds death As a captain, it was the duty of Vere to ensure that the rules were followed to the letter. Melville notes that the captain was a strict follower of the rules and committed to eliminating evils against the society because, “not alone because they seemed to him insusceptible of embodiment of lasting institutions, but at war with the peace of the world and the true welfare of mankind (Melville 312). The captain exhibits a dilemma between the inner convictions of an individual and the role set by the society.

Though his inner conviction was against the accusations leveled against him by Claggart, he also had the responsibility of making Billy Budd pay for his violations. He believed Billy was a good man and saw it hard to believe he was the trouble causer in the ship. This is affirmed by this statement about Billy “In the nude might have posed for a statue of a young Adam before the fall” (345) Captain Vere directly contributes to Billy Budd’s death by ignoring his inner emotions. When he convenes a court to hand judgment regarding Billy’s accusations of mutiny, he exhibits total disregard for what he believes but pursues what ought to be done.

His role in the death of Billy is enforced by his duty to the ship and the sanity of the laws. His role as the captain of the ship supersedes the traits of sympathy or leniency that he would have possibly taken were he not in that position. He says “Struck dead by an angel of God! Yet the angel must hang!” (Melville 352). This implies that even if an angel were to cause murder, he would face the consequences too. Billy was no exception despite his good reputation. Captain Vere fails to fulfill a moral obligation to Billy.

It is clear that the ambiguity between the good of the society and the good of the individual is the main cause for Captain Vere’s decisions. Certainly, he failed on his part. He failed to pursue the ultimate truth causing the death of an innocent man He shows regret at the end when he mutters “Billy Budd, Billy Budd!” (Melville 369).Works CitedMelville, Herman. Billy Budd. New York: TOR, 1992. Print.