Herman Melville's Billy Budd

by Edward R. Winans, James Paris

Clear and to the point, Monarch Notes provide students and interested readers with an excellent supplement for the understanding and appreciation of the world's great writing. Each volume helps the reader to encounter the original work more fully by placing it in historical context, focusing on the important aspects of the text, and posing key questions.

Monarch Notes include:

Background on the Author and the Work Detailed Plot Summary Character Analysis Major Themes in the Work Critical Reception of the Work Questions and Model Answers Guides to Further Study

Genres: Justice, Classics

Paperback

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Lhawkins]

I had read this book in a class at Parkland, and I thought it would make a much easier introduction to Herman Melville than Moby Dick for Isaac and Judah. We read it together in the summer of 2008. It was hard going for the boys. I had told them before we started that I would let Moby Dick be a read by choice but we were reading this one together. They opted out of Moby Dick after reading this, but there were parts they did enjoy.
This is not a happy story. It is very sad as a matter of fact. And reading the language of Melville's day is difficult at times. But I rate the book highly, because I am at an age where difficult, does not equal bad. I enjoy it from time to time. I enjoy seeing the thought process not only of a different culture, but a different time. The influences of Melville's day -- and his religious background are evident in his style.
I think Isaac and Judah were put off, not only by the language, style, and huge amount of description, but also because the good guy does not come out on top at the end. He is killed -- and Melville twists that to almost be the right thing to do. Which is rather morally confusing. It is a good story to talk about balance -- why justice without love or mercy or even wisdom is not a good thing.

[Mark]

Good vs. evil.