Working the Waters

            In the story Billy Budd, Sailor by Herman Melville, the main character Billy Budd is portrayed at first as the epitome of a manly sailor, the “handsome sailor” as he puts it.  They are described as being the one that stands out in a crowd of sailors and always have a group of their fellow sailors surrounding them.  He was very well liked on his first ship Rights-of-Man and was seen as a leader.  This was displayed when he was impressed into duty on the Bellipotent.  His captain on the Rights-of-Man showed displeasure when Budd was the only person chosen to change ships.

            When Budd gets on to his new ship Bellipotent, however, many of his shortcomings become prevalent.  Since his peers have always held him in high regard because of his appearance, he believes that people always have his best interest in mind.  His innocence eventually leads to his downfall.  He had no defense against Claggart’s malice.  Budd views the sarcastic comments by Claggart as a sign of acceptance; he was unable to see the signs of disproval in his voice.  From then on Claggart was out to get Budd.  It all came to a head when he accused Budd of conspiring a mutiny on the ship.  This led to the confrontation where Budd killed Claggart.

            It seems as if Melville is trying to dispel the view that people have or had of what being “manly” is.  It is not all about being the strongest or the best looking, but being educated and being able to understand other peoples views and understanding what kind of emotions they are trying to portray with their actions.