The Evils of Mutiny

Mutiny is found throughout the novel Billy Budd; from the explanation of the Mutiny at Nore, to the fear of mutiny within Vere. Eugene Goodheart makes a claim that Melville disapproves of Revolution, which is evident within Captain Vere. Vere has a split between his head and his heart—his admiration toward Billy Budd made him want to acquit him of his actions, yet he knows rules must be followed to maintain order. Keeping a mutiny from arising was his utmost concern.

“Melville's mistrust of the Revolution, inspired by the Enlightenment belief that the world can and should banish evil from the world, shows in his conception of Claggart, a creature of evil according to nature” (86). An obviously evil person and an evil mutiny that may have ensued were both disposed of in the end. Claggart, an untrustworthy person and one who was naturally evil, died due to controversy within the ship. Billy Budd’s death was a way for Melville to express that good people are willing to die to maintain peace and order. If Billy had not been executed a mutiny may have occurred, thus his death was a necessary incidence.

Revolution is what founded the United States. Knowing that the people can rebel if the government is oppressive is something close to Americans. The fact that Melville creates a sense that rebellion is the actions of corrupt and untrustworthy people seems contradictory to American culture. Goodheart’s idea of banishing evil from the world is a theme that Americans would like to achieve. From abolitionists fighting to end the evil institution of slavery, to feminists fighting to end the evils of unequal gender rights; Americans have always been attempting to put a stop to the evils in society.

Goodheart, Eugene "BILLY BUDD AND THE WORLD'S IMPERFECTION." Sewanee Review 114.1 (2006): 81-92. Academic Search Premier. EBSCO. Web. 29 Nov. 2009.