42 pages 1 hour read

Herman Melville

Billy Budd, Sailor

Fiction | Novella | Adult | Published in 1924

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Before You Read

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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.

Reviews & Readership

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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 this

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.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Genre

American Literature

Classic Fiction

Historical Fiction

Themes

Relationships: Teams

Society: Community

Society: War

Topics

Education

History: World