The irony in Claggart's formal burial was was that Billy was being held behind iron bars awaiting his death. This brings fourth the theme of good versus evil yet again. The innocence in Billy Budd is being neglected by others and hanged. Moreover, irony is brought up again after Billy's and Claggart's deaths. A paper stating the violent and primal Billy murdered the "innocent" Claggart by stabbing him through the heart. There is a little bit of sympathy for Billy in me for the false accusations made by others. I feel like the only people that would truly understand the situation to an extent, would be (most of) the crew aboard the Bellipotent. It is frustrating that Claggart was known as the innocent one, as his attacks on Billy were completely unprovoked and ended up causing the death of himself as well as Billy.
What is the significance of Billy’s last words? How does it connect to themes and symbolism in the text?
Billy Budd's last words before his death were, "God bless Captain Vere". This greatly represents Billy's undying loyalty towards Vere. Prior to Billy's death, he does not express any anger or betrayal even after Vere's sentence. Also, he does not feel any guilt for murdering Claggart, the novel justifies the intentions of Billy's actions as they were simply an attack of impulse for accusing him of such preposterous things in front of Vere. Vere and Billy's relationship was not one sided, as Vere also repeated Billy's name before his death. As shown by his last words, Billy's personality has not altered at all throughout the novel, even with the influence of evil (Claggart & Squeak), he remains innocent and loyal to those whom he trusts.
^ cutest baby ever. Mason Moon :) anyways...
As represented from his nickname, "Baby Budd", his innocence and naivety remains constant. Touched by evil, but not influenced by it.
WOOTWOOT. done.
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