Billy Budd: Chapters 1 - 7

1.     What is the effect of having a third person narration in this story? Suggest why Melville chose this particular narrative stance and its value with reference to the novel.

There are many effects of having a third person narrate this story. The first is that it allows the author to share background information with the reader about the characters in the story, as well as the history that has to do with the time period and the characters. An example of why this is valuable to the story is shown in chapters 3 – 5 when the narrator deviates from Billy’s story to tell the reader about various historical events that relate to the story itself. These chapters, and the historical events explained in them, are valuable because they give the reader a better understanding of the time period in which the story takes place.

6.     Why do you think people are so drawn to Billy?  How important is his handsome exterior?  How important is his innocent interior? 

People are drawn to Billy because of his handsome exterior and innocent interior. Initially, people are drawn to Billy because of his good looks. Once they get to know him, they become more and more drawn to not only his good looks, but his personality as well. However, Billy is a perfect example of the “don’t judge a book by its cover” cliché. Usually Billy is a very calm and cool individual, but when it is needed, he can be very forceful and quick. An example of this is when the sailor “Red Whiskers” bullies Billy. In one particular incident, Red Whiskers punches Billy. To everyone’s surprise, Billy responds with a fast blow, right back at him. This creates instant respect for Billy, and actually turns Red Whiskers hatred for Billy around. Overall, neither Billy’s handsome exterior, or innocent interior are more important to his character.

http://ryanstudio.blogspot.com/2009/12/powdered-jelly-donut.html 

Reason For Choosing Photo:
This this photo may not seem fitting to begin with but it was well thought out. As stated above Billy not only looks good on the out side but he also has an innocent side to him as well. This jelly filled donut is displays this in the following ways. When you the the donut you think to yourself "yum this looks good", when you bite in to it it gets better because the fresh fruit filling it quite refreshing. But this can also be very deceiving once finish the donut you realized you are covered in icing sugar and have fruit filling all over you face, not to mention the extra two pounds you put on. (: