42 pages • 1 hour read
Billy Budd, Sailor
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Book Brief
80
Novella • Fiction
British Warship • 1790s
1924
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
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
Reviews & Readership
18,580 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
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.
Who Should Read Billy Budd, Sailor?
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
Captain Edward Vere
Captain Edward Vere
A respected captain who values rationality and duty, yet faces internal conflict between his personal sympathies and professional responsibilities aboard the warship.
John Claggart
John Claggart
A cunning and devious man whose malevolent nature starkly contrasts with Billy's innocence, serving as a disruptive force with hidden motives on the ship.
80
Novella • Fiction
British Warship • 1790s
1924
Adult
18+ years
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