Herman Melville's Captain Vere In Billy Budd

Student Name Professor Name Course Date Herman Melville’s Captain Vere in Billy Budd Of the main characters, Captain Vera is the most controversial in Billy Budd. He is intelligent and active-minded, but his intelligence and brilliance bring him wisdom and humbleness rather than monomania; this feature seems to be absent in another character titled Claggart. It should be noticed that Captain Vera is a complete man and possesses all characteristics and features that are present in a brave and courageous guy. He speaks of his mind, takes actions wisely, and has a soft and kind heart. All the times, he proves himself to be a person with clear-thinking and well-versed ideas. As a frank and forthright commander, he proves his worth throughout his life and represents the synthesis of mind and heart (Rochlitz 2011). Captain Vere's most controversial, unique and symbolic act is the execution and trial of Billy Budd, whom he considers his son and one of the most important persons of his life. Vere doesn’t have extraordinary expectations with his life; he works day and night to earn a living and tends to perform his duty efficiently. According to Herman Melville, Vere loves putting the welfare and betterment of his nation above personal life, emotions, feelings, and affections. Not only this, but he also denies some of nature’s rules and keeps supporting what is best and favorable to his state (Mudgett 2013). In one way or the other, Captain Vere works for the prosperity of his companions and the entire state, so we don’t need to condemn him for the mistakes he made in his life. Instead, we should notice the positive aspects of Vere’s character and admit that he is a courageous and brave person. It’s safe to say that every person commits mistakes, whether major or minor; neither you nor I am perfect, so as Captain Vere. If he committed some mistakes in his life, then we should not start calling him an arrogant or selfish person. Instead, we should understand his problems and needn’t condemn him for his cowardice and weaknesses (Garner 2010). The text invites both contradictory readings because it sheds light on the lifestyle of Captain Vere from both positive and negative ways. First of all, he is regarded as a supportive and courageous person who is ready to sacrifice his life for the welfare of his state. Then he is considered a man with confusing personality who takes wrongs decisions and should be punished. From the beginning till its end,...