1.Describe what you think happened in the compartment as Captain Vere told Billy of the court’s decision. Base your response as accurately as possible on the characterizations of the two so far.
Based on what we know about Billy’s personality, and how he has reacted to this situation so far I think that nothing much happened when Captain Vere told Billy of the courts decision. It is quite possible that Billy is so innocent and naive that he just is unable to register the fact that he is being sentenced to death. Also, judging by the way everyone and Captain Vere viewed Billy, Captain Vere probably felt very torn. He knew that Billy was guilty, but it was very hard for him to accept the fact that this perfect, innocent boy was capable of murder.
4. What is the significance of Billy’s last words? How does it connect to themes and symbolism in the text?
The major significance of Billy’s last words, “God Bless Captain Vere” is the fact that his last words emphasize his personality. This once again goes back to Billy’s inability to be truly upset with somebody for a long period of time. This is unique to Billy because Vere is essentially the person that caused Billy to be killed. He testified against him, told everyone what he did, and informed Billy of his fate. Because Captain Vere has always been so kind to Billy, he has an easier time forgiving him for everything that he has done to Billy. Billy’s last words connect to the theme of his innocence throughout the story. His last words connect to innocence through his relationship with Captain Vere. As said before, despite Vere’s actions against Billy, he still remains kind and friendly towards Vere, even with death lurking.
http://jiveturkey.wordpress.com/2009/10/19/cheers-jeers-i-am-actually-relieved-its-monday-edition/
Reason For Choosing Picture:
I believe this picture represents why Billy was hung because if you were to see someone that looked evil you would stay away from them. In this case he did something that was evil and in turn he was hung because the people around him could not understand his innocent inside.
Reason For Choosing Picture:
I believe this picture represents why Billy was hung because if you were to see someone that looked evil you would stay away from them. In this case he did something that was evil and in turn he was hung because the people around him could not understand his innocent inside.
Question 1
ReplyDeleteI certainly agree. Billy is so completely naive that while he he might understand that he is being sentenced to death, I don't think that he knows what Vere's effect on that was. What I am trying to say is that Billy knows he is being sentenced to death, an he probably knows why, but he does not understand the events that lead up to this happening.
Question 4
I think his last words reflect his inner lack of understanding of the world. He does not know what happened, or why, and so he simply thanks the man who has been kind to him.