A Discussion about Billy Budd

Billy Budd: A Story of Protested Innocence

Describe Billy Budd. Why do you think Melville might have created a character like Billy?

Described early on by the author as “the Handsome Sailor,” Billy Budd is Melville's story of a handsome, innocent young foretopman who, unable to defend himself verbally due to a stutter, fatally strikes an officer who falsely accuses him of mutiny. This incident leads to his execution despite his evident moral purity and the captain’s seeming reluctance to enforce harsh naval law. In sum, Melville creates Billy Budd as an archetype of pure innocence and natural goodness - a character whose physical beauty mirrors his inner virtue.

What types of things do you predict might happen to him?

The protagonist is repeatedly described as having a child-like innocence, manifesting both in his demeanor and his naive inability to perceive evil in others. Conversely, Billy’s stutter, which emerges when he is emotionally distressed, represents his inability to defend himself against the corruption and complexity of the civilized world, suggesting that he will be taken advantage of or abused by his peers and superiors.

Why does the crew like him so much?

The crew’s overwhelming affection for Billy stems from his genuine kindness, willing helpfulness, and almost supernatural charisma, attributes that Melville describes Billy as having an aura that naturally draws others to him.

Why do you think that "Jimmy Legs" speaks badly of Billy after Billy claims "'Jimmy Legs!' ejaculated Billy, his welkin eyes expanding; 'what for? Why he calls me the sweet and pleasant fellow, they tell me.' "

For normal people, Jimmy Legs’ duplicitous behavior shown by praising Billy to his face while speaking ill of him behind his back serves to introduce the theme of hidden malice that is a crucial element in the story. Indeed, Billy’s innocent confusion at learning of this two-faced behavior also highlights his fundamental inability to comprehend deliberate deception by other people, a response that foreshadows the reality that his innocence, while admirable, leaves Billy highly vulnerable to people who have hidden malevolence.

In what ways do you think Morrissey's song reflects any of the themes in the story so far? Be specific and quote from the text and the song!

The song by Morrissey captures themes of sacrifice, forbidden connection, and social consequences that resonate with Melville's story. The singer expresses willingness to sacrifice physically for another’s freedom, which parallels the novel’s exploration of personal sacrifice in the face of institutional power. The reference to being “turned down” and facing negative consequences “because of us” suggests the social price of going against established norms, much as Billy’s natural goodness ultimately conflicts with naval authority and structure. Likewise, the repeated question, “So you think you should?” and mention that “everyone’s laughing” evokes the tension between individual conscience and societal judgment that runs throughout Melville's work. This connects to Billy's position as someone who stands apart from conventional society, though in his case through innate innocence rather than conscious choice.