Christ Figure in Billy Budd

Herman Melville’s work, Billy Budd is a piece that in my opinion is easy to relate too. Relating to a novel like this one, is a lot harder said than done for most readers, but due to Melville’s use of imagery, allusion to detail, and use of symbolism one can become captivated within a piece of his literature. The portrayal of Billy Bud is what leaves this novel with such great meaning. Billy Budd is a prime example of a Christ like figure, even without direct references to the bible, Melville portrays an honorable character; one reader’s may even envision as Christ like.

Almost every story has an antagonist and a protagonist, this one is no different; the antagonist in the story is most clearly Claggart. Melville …show more content…
You can imagine that very few sailors would possess these traits, so this is what begins the parallel of Billy Budd and The Passion of Christ. Billy sacrifices his life as the innocent victim of a hostile society, just as Christ died for all of those who sin. Billy taking responsibility for the actions that were displayed demonstrates the humbleness that he as a man had. Billy never objected to the charges, much like Christ accepted his crucifixion. In the novel, when the chaplain arrives to spiritually prepare Billy for his death, he seemed to already be at peace with what was going to happen. This aligns with Christ knowing of his crucifixion to come, and was at peace with the punishment in order to free everyone from their …show more content…
Many could loose the whole concept and meaning of a chapter, just by neglecting to read deeper into the literature. Take for example the purser, and the surgeon who debate Billy’s story after his death. These people represent faith and skepticism, the two fundamentally opposed attitudes toward religious mysteries. The purser believes that Billy’s death indicates some special quality in Billy, possibly supernatural. The surgeon, on the other hand, maintaining a scientific viewpoint, refuses to acknowledge Billy’s unusually peaceful death as more than a quirk of