Billy Budd and Other Stories — Herman Melville

Struck dead by an angel of God Yet the angel must hang It is the end of the eighteenth century and the navy recruits the eponymous hero the Handsome Sailor to its fleet Accused of mutinous behaviour Billy Budd is forced to defend himself but his fearful silent response soon gives way to a terrible act of violence The consequences are disastrous and nothing can prevent the force of judgment and eventual justice upon him Discovered among Melville s papers after his death and published posthumously in 1924 Billy Budd is a powerful tale of guilt and innocence crime and punishment and the cost of adhering to duty From the author of Moby Dick Melville s allegorical tales are loaded with symbolism and showcase his distinctive writing style and themes in shorter form

Struck dead by an angel of God Yet the angel must hang It is the end of the eighteenth century and the navy recruits the eponymous hero the Handsome Sailor to its fleet Accused of mutinous behaviour Billy Budd is forced to defend himself but his fearful silent response soon gives way to a terrible act of violence The consequences are disastrous and nothing can prevent the force of judgment and eventual justice upon him Discovered among Melville s papers after his death and published posthumously in 1924 Billy Budd is a powerful tale of guilt and innocence crime and punishment and the cost of adhering to duty From the author of Moby Dick Melville s allegorical tales are loaded with symbolism and showcase his distinctive writing style and themes in shorter form