Herman Melvilles Billy Budd - Billy Budd as Allegorical Figure :: Herman Melville Billy Budd Essays

billy goat Budd as Allegorical Figure             An allegory is a symbolic story. Herman Melvilles truncheon Budd is an example of an allegory. The author uses the protagonist billy goat Budd to symbolize a higher-up being who has a perfect appearance and represents integrity. Melville shows the reader that a topnotch being can be an innocent victim of evil and finally destroyed. In, Melvilles wand Budd, the main character is an allegorical figure who symbolizes all goodness in men.           Billy Budds image is symbolic. He symbolizes one who is perfect in appearance. Budd is strong and charming. He is the center of attention and compared to the grownup Sailor. (THAAL, pg. 2512) Melville uses an allusion to compare the bragging(a) Sailor and the eye of the constellation Taurus. His comparison also shows that Billy, like the Handsome Sailor, is popular. Also, the comparison with the Handsome Sailo r shows Billy as a handsome character. A comparison is also made between Billy and a mighty boxer or wrestler. (THAAL, pg. 2513) The author wants the reader to see that Billy has strength as well as beauty. He also goes on to make an allusion between young Alexander, Alexander the Great, and Billy to force an image of a powerful figure. (THAAL, pg. 2513) Melville compares Billys physical appearance to that of Alexander the conqueror creating an image of a superior being.           Billy is an honest soul and wants wide-eyed peace and quiet. (THAAL, pg. 2514) The simple peace that he seeks may represent the amatory view of a noble savage, who has goodness because he is untainted by the corruption in society. Melville has interest in the noble savage and creates Billy Budd to represent this idea. Billy seems naturally good with no sins in his character. He lives a simple and serious life. For example, when Claggart makes fun of him, Billy does not experience the humor in his statement. (THAAL, pg. 2532) Another example that shows Billys simple character fearfully witnesses a flogging. Billy has never experienced punishment and is afraid of this unknown. He is also naive about evil. When told, by the Dansker, that Claggart, the master at arms, is protrude on him, Billy is doubtful of the Danskers words. He replies by saying What for?