Many themes relating to the conflict between Good and Evil can be found in Herman Melville's novella Billy Budd, Foretopman. ... He has been compared by Melville to Tecumseh and Titus Oates, and with his background being unknown, Melville makes his character appear even more evil to the reader (Bloom, Critical Views 207). ... His evil flaw is easily enraged by the fact that Billy is a natural and admirable peacemaker, changing his character from the enforcer to the destroyer of peace. He has been described as a "Jekyll and Hyde" character, changing personalities from good to...

• Word Count: 1646
• Approx Pages: 7
• Grade Level: High School

Billy Budd - Convictions Shaken In Herman Melville's Billy Budd, Sailor, readers are introduced to the conflict of good and evil between Billy Budd and Claggart. ... 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. ... Vere's character is written to be a medium between Billy Budd and Claggart. ... Captain Vere's conflict between conscience and duty can be seen in Melville's imagery. ... Other than Melville stating the murmurs were not remorseful, the fact Vere is murmuring shows Vere is not...

• Word Count: 1964
• Approx Pages: 8
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

In Herman Melville's Billy Budd, Sailor, readers are introduced to the conflict of good and evil between Billy Budd and Claggart. ... 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. ... Vere's character is written to be a medium between Billy Budd and Claggart. ... Captain Vere's conflict between conscience and duty can be seen in Melville's imagery. ... Other than Melville stating the murmurs were not remorseful, the fact Vere is murmuring shows Vere is not being tortured by his decision. ...

• Word Count: 1960
• Approx Pages: 8
• Grade Level: High School

Billy Budd, by Herman Melville is an allegory; because the characters represent abstract qualities. ... The classic battle between innocence and evil comes alive with symbolism in Herman Melville's allegory, Billy Budd, with Billy Budd, Captain Vere, and Claggart being portrayed as Jesus Christ, God, and Lucifer. ...

• Word Count: 995
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: High School