42 pages • 1 hour read
80
Novella • Fiction
British Warship • 1790s
1924
Adult
18+ years
In Billy Budd, Sailor, Herman Melville tells the story of Billy, a naive and happy sailor who is impressed into service on the British warship Bellipotent. Despite his good nature and diligence, Billy is falsely accused of mutiny by John Claggart, the ship's master-at-arms. Captain Vere convenes a court, which ultimately sentences Billy to death by hanging, leading to his tragic demise. The novella explores themes of morality versus law, the vulnerability of innocence, and the tension between the individual and the group.
Melancholic
Mysterious
Contemplative
Dark
Bittersweet
18,580 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Herman Melville's Billy Budd, Sailor is lauded for its profound exploration of good and evil, and its complex moral and legal questions. Melville's rich prose and intricate characterizations are praised, though some find the dense narrative and philosophical digressions challenging. While the novella's ambiguity is thought-provoking, it may frustrate those seeking clear resolutions.
Readers who would enjoy Billy Budd, Sailor by Herman Melville are likely fans of classic literature, maritime settings, and moral dilemmas. Comparable to Joseph Conrad’s Heart of Darkness, these readers appreciate intricate character studies and philosophical themes interwoven with gripping narratives.
18,580 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
80
Novella • Fiction
British Warship • 1790s
1924
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.