because of what social order dictated. The lack of pity and the harshness of the penalty truly shown is indicative of the type of society that Billy lived in. The hero, Billy, is right for preferring the Rights of Man, another ship, over the Bellipotent, whose rules are very stringent and inclement.
             Melville's portrayal of the individual shows the fatal flaw in society: it lacks compassion, understanding, and moral values. In order to preserve its own values, it is bent on destroying the individual who would "poison" their system with kindness and moral uprightness. Melville uses Billy Budd as his tool to show the corruption in society and how the world's moral values have been tainted. The author believes that the individual should stand up for what is right and remain pure, avoiding the evil influence of society.
             During much of the 1800's, slavery was prevalent in many regions of the United States. Many thought that there was nothing wrong with this system, but there were also many who opposed this set of beliefs. Individualists during this era focuse
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