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The Relationship Between Billy Budd And Claggart - Online Term Paper

The Relationship Between Billy Budd And Claggart

The story Billy Budd, by Herman Melville, is about the Master-at-Arms, John Claggart, and his hate and jealousy of Billy Budd. Billy Budd, who is unaware of Claggart’s feelings, is a twenty-one year old, foretopeman for the British Fleet. He is a loyal friend and a leader, not by authority, but by example. He is looked up to and well liked by the crew except for Claggart. Claggart is out to make Billy’s life miserable and is the cause of Billy Budd’s execution.
Although seeming at times perfect, Billy Budd has one weakness that causes problems. When he gets provoked or in uncomfortable situations, he begins to stutter, or even become speechless. An example is when Claggart is telling ...

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search for help. The person he goes to is the old Dansker. Billy recognizes Dansker as a figure of experience, and after showing respect and courtesy which Billy believes due to his elder, finally seeks his advice. But what Billy is told thoroughly astonishes him. Dansker tells Billy that for some reason, Claggart is after him. Dansker says to Billy, “Baby Budd, Jimmy Legs is down on you” (785). Billy is still confused and ignores what Dansker has told him about Claggart because he is so innocent and trusting. Billy can’t see through Claggart’s calm ways, and that he is out to get him.
The next day after Billy’s discussion with Dansker, Billy spills soup on the freshly cleaned deck just as Claggart walks by. He notices that it was Billy that spilled the soup. He walks over and taps Billy on the shoulder and says “ Handsomely done, my lad! And handsome is as handsome did it too!”(786). Billy being handsome is the main reason for Claggart’s jealousy. Later on, Claggart tells Captain ...

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The Relationship Between Billy Budd And Claggart. (2008, March 7). Retrieved January 11, 2026, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/The-Relationship-Between-Billy-Budd-Claggart/80157

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PAPER DETAILS

Added: 3/7/2008 10:11:04 AM
Category: Book Reports
Type: Premium Paper
Words: 780
Pages: 3

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