5. What is the tragedy of Chapter 19? Do you sympathize with Billy Budd? Why or why not?
The tragedy of Chapter 19 is the fact that Claggart goes to Vere and accuses Billy of mutiny, Billy was given the chance to speak in his own defense, but his innocence disallowed for him to do that. Instead of conveying himself with words, he used his fists, and punched Claggart in the forehead, which ended up killing him. I do not sympathize with Billy because I simply could not understand the reason for his actions, he never explained why he did what he did, or speak up when he was given the chance. In the end, he resorted to violence and killed Claggart; an action taken that was completely unnecessary. Also, he had been warned numerous times that Claggart had no good intentions towards him, and instead of listening, he brushed it aside, he did not even consider the slightest possibility of there being truth in the warnings. In the end, he was betrayed by his own good nature and innocence. It really goes to show that people should take what has been said into consideration, instead of brushing it off as a joke right away.
This picture shows words going in one ear and out the other.
7. Is justice served for Billy Budd? Why or why not? Who is to be thanked or blamed for the decisions of the court?
In this case, justice is served, but just not for Billy. Although Billy is good natured and innocent, it did not stop him from killing Claggart, even if it was not intentional, his fists were the cause of death for a fellow shipmate. If one kills, one would have to receive some sort of punishment, although death by hanging is quite unsightly for a man such as Billy Budd, it still is a form of justice for the victim. No one is to be thanked or blamed for the courts decisions, the term “Justice is blind” is not just a saying; it really applies in this case. Although Captain Vere could have said something to the court to persuade them to pass a lighter sentence of the accused, he did not do anything. I think that Vere just wanted justice to be served for the dead, and it did not matter what would happen to Billy, and in the end, justice became the winner.
This picture shows that Lady Justice is blindfolded.
Vere couldn't do anything to persuade either his own drum-court, the naval judicial system, or even himself that Billy could be given a lighter sentence. He didn't want him to die and knew in his heart that he shouldn't because of his innocence, but his allegiance and the allegiance of everybody on board is to the king of England and to English law. As he states: "...however pitilessly that law may operate in any instances, we nevertheless adhere to it and administer it." They are at war, and in the navy during wartime strict adherence to command is always top priority. Unfortunately, Billy Budd and later Vere himself are both subject to this crude but necessary law...with their lives.
ReplyDelete