Study Guide for "Billy Budd" by Herman Melville

1. Using billy club Budd as an example, define the following literary terms: point of view, irony, paradox, dilemma, symbol, tragic flaw, and theme.

-Point of view- The point of view is that of wise narration.

-Irony-

Irony is defined as the use of words to convey the glacial of their literal meaning. In the beginning of the story baton is described as an innocent, likeable, and sweet man. Towards the end of the story he is described as a murderer. This is ironic because his deathly bodily function was unanticipated by the reader. The irony continues throughout the story as Billy Budd dies. There stands a monument at the household Billy was hanged. Billy dies in defeat, but he comes patronise as a living symbol.

-Paradox-

Paradox is defined as a statement actually self-contradictory or false. police captain Vere stands for what is by rights and orderly. It is right for God to spare the innocent, but wrong for Captain Vere not to execute Billy. The chaplain is getting paid by the contend Department.

-Dilemma-

Captain Vere is go about with dilemma when Billy accidentally kills Claggart. He is faced with a question, whether to trust his head or his heart.

-Symbol-

This story shows biblical symbolism. Billy portrays a Christ-like character before his fall. His white wear symbolizes innocence. Claggart manipulated Billy like the serpent manipulated Adam.



Claggart and Billys death is symbolic because the deaths stemma each other.

-Tragic Flaw-

Billys only flaw was that he couldnt handle worked up situations.

-Theme-

The theme is as simple as good vs. evil. sliminess won in the short-term, and good won in the long-term. In the story good and evil is compared to war. Its an eternal conflict.

2. Describe Billy Budd as a character and tell what he symbolizes.

Billy Budd has the stereotype...

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