Billy Budd Have you ever been punished in an unfair way? This was the case in Herman Melville's story Billy Budd: Sailor. Billy accidently killed a high ranking officer named John Claggart and was hanged for it. Both sides agree that Billy unthinkingly killed Claggart but disagree on whether Budd should have been punished. Billy Budd should not have accepted his punishment for three reasons. He could escape, he could mutiny, and Claggart deserved it. Firstly, Billy should not have accepted his punishment because he could escape. Billy was a smart sailor. He was no rocket scientist, but Budd is probably smarter than many of the brine-soaked sailors on board. Billy would have been halfway back to England by the time any of the crew got a whiff of his trail. Then there is the obvious notion that not one soul aboard the Bellipotent would expect such a daring felony from Billy Budd. Then the Bellipotent's gargantuan size comes into mind. On a ship that massive, Budd could easily lose the crew. Billy possessed the brains and reputation to give him an edge in attempting an escape. …show more content…
Billy was a peacemaker and a favorite among the crew. Every seadog one the seventy-four was fond of the Handsome Sailor, except for Claggart that is. Undoubtedly, a good number of them would follow Billy to the Gates of Hell if he requested it. Besides, several reports of mutinies had been heard. If other sailors could do it so could Billy Budd. If the mutiny failed, Billy could at least die fighting rather than die hanging by his neck. Either way was better than the noose. Billy could be a famous mutineer if he attempted the dread act rather than accept the