Billy Budd - Was he Christ
In Herman Melville's Billy Budd, Sailor, readers are introduced to the conflict of good and evil between Billy Budd and Claggart. However, there is another conflict, which, in ways is more significant than the epic clash of good and evil. Vere's struggle between duty and conscience is more significant because it occurs in the mind. Whereas Billy Budd was clearly the noble sacrificed hero and Claggart was the vindictive villain, duty is just as noble as conscience and conscience is just as noble as duty. Melville sets up this conflict by placing a man with the intuition and innocence of a child, in the hands of a captain amidst war. In a description of Captain Vere it can be anticipated that Vere, who values peace and common good, would be in conflict with his job, which requires him to be a militaristic authoritarian. Captain Vere learns important lessons when innocent hands bring about destruction of life. Vere was moved by his beckoning duty as captain, to convince the drumhead court to convict Billy Budd. However, the paternal emotions towards Billy Budd and his rational thinking did invoke indecision. Captain Vere realizes, when he has to act, he does not have the strength of conviction he had thought. Vere's character is writ
The surgeon confirms Vere's fears and "with one hand to his brow, was standing motionless" (351). Captain Vere learns that to balance conscience and duty is a very hard task even for a man as conscious of his actions as he is. Captain Vere's expressions are described as a moon. Vere's paternal feelings can be seen when he says "Fated boy". Vere regains his composure as captain and is able to order the surgeon in. Some love Billy and wish him not to be executed. Vere's is concerned and in deep thought over what to do next. That is why he is the middle ground between the commissioned officers. Vere is again drawn back to duty and stands pondering the actions he will take. Both sides of Vere are just as strong and just as right. The "one hand to his brow" is able to convey in actions what is lacking in the description of overt actions. His concerns show even without a description of Vere's features. Vere was characteristically between Billy and Claggart, as he is with the rest of the ship. His duty keeps him from reacting, but "Suddenly, catching the surgeon's arm convulsively, he exclaimed. Captain Vere is able to fulfill his duty in convincing the drumhead court to punish Billy by execution.
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