Billy Budd An Analysis of the Handsome Sailor and the Cost of Naivety

Billy Budd by Herman Melville
Herman Melville's, Billy Budd, is set during the 1700's a turbulent time in European History. Rumors of war raging between England and France draw our "handsome sailor," Billy Budd into a web of deceit. Drafted into service for the throne of England, Billy finds himself fighting in a battle of emotions not weapons. A unique specimen, Billy tends to draw the crewmen to him because of his wholesome goodness - emitting from within our foundling. A man without a home or a family, the sea becomes Billy's form of refuge, but every form of refuge has its price. …