Herman Melvilles Billy Budd - Billy Budd as Allegorical Figure :: Herman Melville Billy Budd Essays

nightstick Budd as Allegorical Figure             An allegory is a symbolic story. Herman Melvilles nightstick Budd is an example of an allegory. The author uses the protagonist wand Budd to symbolize a professional being who has a perfect appearance and represents justice. Melville shows the reader that a blue-ribbon(prenominal) being can be an innocent victim of evil and at long last destroyed. In, Melvilles billy goat Budd, the main character is an allegorical figure who symbolizes all goodness in men.           Billy Budds image is symbolic. He symbolizes one who is perfect in appearance. Budd is strong and well-favoured. He is the center of attention and compared to the beauteous Sailor. (THAAL, pg. 2512) Melville uses an allusion to compare the fine Sailor and the eye of the constellation Taurus. His comparison also shows that Billy, like the Handsome Sailor, is popular. Also, the comparison with the Handsome Sailor shows Billy as a handsome character. A comparison is also made between Billy and a mighty boxer or wrestler. (THAAL, pg. 2513) The author wants the reader to see that Billy has strength as well as beauty. He also goes on to make an allusion between young Alexander, Alexander the Great, and Billy to bring about an image of a powerful figure. (THAAL, pg. 2513) Melville compares Billys physical appearance to that of Alexander the vanquisher creating an image of a superior being.           Billy is an honest soul and wants sincere peace and quiet. (THAAL, pg. 2514) The simple peace that he seeks may represent the wild-eyed view of a noble savage, who has goodness because he is untainted by the corruption in society. Melville has interest in the noble savage and creates Billy Budd to represent this idea. Billy seems naturally good with no sins in his character. He lives a simple and serious life. For example, when Clagga rt makes fun of him, Billy does not empathise the humor in his statement. (THAAL, pg. 2532) Another example that shows Billys simple character fearfully witnesses a flogging. Billy has never experienced punishment and is afraid of this unknown. He is also naive about evil. When told, by the Dansker, that Claggart, the master at arms, is flock on him, Billy is doubtful of the Danskers words. He replies by saying What for?