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Billy Budd - Analysis Of Innocence Vs. Destruction

    There is much to be said about innocence. If one is with
innocence than one can do no wrong. But that is not all to be said.
Innocence is not always a good thing. It could make one naive or blind
to certain evils. Like in the case of Billy Budd. Billy was innocent
from evil and therefore could not see the evil of John Claggart
approaching him, out to destroy him. It is known Billy's innocence was
his down fall by hiding the true evil from his eyes. But why was John
Claggart out to destroy Billy?. There are several reasons why John
Claggart attempts to destroy Billy Budd.

    John Claggart wants to destroy Billy because he is extremely wary
of Billy's intentions. He has come to believe that Billy is planning a
mutiny and wants to take over the ship. Claggart reports this to
captain Vere saying," During today's chase and possible encounter I
had seen enough to convince him that at least one sailor aboard was
dangerous." Meaning that he felt Billy was against them. Claggart felt
that Billy's big plan was to get in favor of all the men on the ship
and then turn them against the captain. Captain Vere responds by
having Billy and Claggart meet in private where Claggart can openly
accuse Billy of this crime. Fortunately, Claggarts attempt to destroy
Billy for mutiny fails because he is struck down by Billy in one blow,
ending the matter, but opening a much more serious one.

    Claggart is also seen as attempting to destroy Billy due to his
evil nature in general. Nothing depicts Claggart's evil nature better
than the way he looks. His cleanly chiseled chin and cunning violet
eyes that can cut lesser sailors with an evil glare. His pale yellow
skin and jet black curly hair; they all contrast his character. He is
out to destroy Billy because of the constant struggle of good and
evil. Billy is innocent and cannot comprehend evil therefore making
him good. People calling Billy "baby budd, and handsome sailor"...