Billy Bud: A Captain's Duty

In the novel, Billy Budd, Herman Melville searches for answers to moral dilemmas. The reader is compelled to contemplate the battle between good and evil and the controversy over how a person can separate them. A person relies on their knowledge of right and wrong to make the most responsible decision. Society has created legal standards that define right and wrong. A decision’s propriety is often based upon the outcome of the situation. Melville …

…job to the best of his ability. He could not be hesitant but had to be strong. The lives of his crew depended on his decisions and no act of mutiny could be tolerated. If Captain Vere had not convicted Billy Budd his respect and authority could have been questioned. Captain Vere was able to set aside his emotions and impart a conviction that was in the best interest of his crew and his country.