Billy Budd, Sailor

Billy Budd, Sailor – The story, set in the British Navy during the 1790s, focuses on the inherent conflict between good and evil, as well as the tension between natural justice and military law. The ship’s master-at-arms, John Claggart, develops an inexplicable and “natural depravity” fueled antagonism and envy toward Billy’s good nature and charisma. Claggart begins to scrutinize Billy and attempts to trap him, ultimately making a false accusation of mutiny to the captain.