In the novels Moby-Dick and Billy Budd the idea of fate governing the actions of the characters is present. ... Billy Budd is also an instrument of fate. ... Similarly, an obsessed Claggart persecutes Billy Budd until he provokes Billy into killing him. ... There are also several references to religion in the novel Billy Budd pertaining mainly to Billy Budd and Claggart. In fact, "many scholars read Billy Budd as a parable of good and evil" or even " as a retelling of the story of Christ" ( Gunn, 3). ...

• Word Count: 3225
• Approx Pages: 13
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: High School

During his final years Melville did return to writing prose, and completed the novel "Billy Budd," which was not published until 1924, several decades after his death. Melville completedBilly Budd, the story of a sailor who accidentally kills his master after being provoked by a false charge, in April of 1891, and five months later he died, on September 28 in New York City. ...

• Word Count: 2748
• Approx Pages: 11
• Has Bibliography