Billy Budd

About “Billy Budd”

Trials of the Handsome Sailor is a novella by Herman Melville. Aboard the warship Bellipotent, the young orphan Billy Budd is called the Handsome Sailor. He is tall, athletic, and noble looking, and is known for being friendly, innocent, helpful, and ever-cheerful. He is a fierce fighter and a loyal friend, and is liked by all the men and officers on the ship. However, Master-at-Arms Claggart, envious and petty, does not like Billy. Claggart plots to make Billy's life miserable. When a fear of mutinies sweeps through the fleet, Claggart sees an opportunity to frame Billy for treason.