Blog Post # 3 (Chapters 15 -21)

8. While Billy waits for his fate to be decided, we do not get to know his thoughts. What might change if we were able to know Billy Budd’s thoughts and feelings? Why do you think Melville chose not to represent them? What is the effect of this?


Overall, Billy’s thoughts haven’t really been portrayed to the extent that I would have liked throughout the book anyway, and the fact that Melville chose to leave it out during the time period of his decision doesn’t draw any big questioning. But, If we were able to be omniscient (see what I did there) while reading Billy Budd, I would imagine that Billy would probably be in a state of shock more then anything else. Obviously he’s going to be somewhat frightened, nervous, confused, but judging him upon his character as shown in the book, I would think that he would be more surprised and disturbed. Also, the fact that Billy Budd has difficulties articulating his thoughts sometimes, the reason why he is in this position in the first place, shows that maybe Herman Melville did not choose to leave this part out. Maybe he is simply implying that his lack of words may also coincide with lack of thoughts, to a certain extent. However, regardless of whatever Billy chooses to think or not think, Melville’s choice of ignoring it also builds up a further sense of mystery upon the verdict then there already was. And along with mystery come some sort of anticipation and fear, all factors that make for a more interesting read. So it’s no wonder why Melville chose to leave this part out. Another key fact worth pointing out is the fact that I had said that Billy Budd’s sudden burst of violence may lead to something terrible happening in Billy’s life, two blog posts earlier, which can only mean one thing.. I am awesome.

http://www.diarrhetoric.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/08/patrick-star.jpg

Similar to Billy Budd, Patrick Star often find's it difficult to articulate his thoughts..

Awesome Signing Out