Beginning of Essay
The story Billy Budd, by Herman Melville, is about the Master-at-Arms, John Claggart, and his hate and jealousy of Billy Budd. Billy Budd, who is unaware of Claggart’s feelings, is a twenty-one year old, foretopeman for the British Fleet. He is a loyal friend a ....

Middle of Essay
.... continues to slip up. These small threats and incidents establish the tension between Claggart and Billy, and set the stage for a later confrontation. They also force Billy to search for help. The person he goes to is the old Dansker. Billy recognizes Dansker as a figure of experience, and after showing respect and courtesy which Billy believes due to his elder, finally seeks his advice. But what Billy is told thoroughly astonishes him. Dansker tells Billy that for some reason, Claggart is after him. Dansker says to Billy, “Baby Budd, Jimmy Legs is down on you” (785). Billy is still confused and ignores what Dansker has told him about Claggart ....