Billy Budd

by Herman Melville

Billy Budd: Personification 2 key examples

Definition of Personification

Personification is a type of figurative language in which non-human things are described as having human attributes, as in the sentence, "The rain poured down on the wedding guests, indifferent... read full definition
Personification is a type of figurative language in which non-human things are described as having human attributes, as in the sentence, "The rain poured down... read full definition
Personification is a type of figurative language in which non-human things are described as having human attributes, as in the... read full definition
Chapter 22
Explanation and Analysis—Jesus Christ:

The novella is full of biblical allusions and is considered an allegory, as it conveys a hidden meaning through the use of symbolic characters and events. Billy's story effectively mirrors the story of Jesus Christ's redemption in the Bible. Like Christ, Budd becomes a sacrificial figure, someone who has died for a greater cause or good. Claggart, who causes Billy's death, could be said to represent Satan, while Captain Vere is a representation of Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor who presided over Jesus's trial and gave the order for his crucifixion. 

In Chapter 22, the narrator makes an allusion to Abraham and Isaac:

The austere devotee of military duty, letting himself melt back into what remains primeval in our formalized humanity, may in end have caught Billy to his heart, even as Abraham may have caught young Isaac on the brink of resolutely offering him up in obedience to the exacting behest.

Chapter 25
Explanation and Analysis—Meek, Shy Light:

In Chapter 25, the narrator uses personification as well as vivid imagery to describe the morning after Budd receives his fateful sentence: 

The luminous night passed away [...]. A meek, shy light appeared in the East, where stretched a diaphanous fleece of white furrowed vapor. Suddenly eight bells was struck aft, responded to by one louder metallic stroke from forward. It was four o'clock in the morning. Instantly the silver whistles were heard summoning all hands to witness punishment. 

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Explanation and Analysis—Jesus Christ:

The novella is full of biblical allusions and is considered an allegory, as it conveys a hidden meaning through the use of symbolic characters and events. Billy's story effectively mirrors the story of Jesus Christ's redemption in the Bible. Like Christ, Budd becomes a sacrificial figure, someone who has died for a greater cause or good. Claggart, who causes Billy's death, could be said to represent Satan, while Captain Vere is a representation of Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor who presided over Jesus's trial and gave the order for his crucifixion. 

In Chapter 22, the narrator makes an allusion to Abraham and Isaac:

The austere devotee of military duty, letting himself melt back into what remains primeval in our formalized humanity, may in end have caught Billy to his heart, even as Abraham may have caught young Isaac on the brink of resolutely offering him up in obedience to the exacting behest.

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Chapter 31
Explanation and Analysis—Jesus Christ:

The novella is full of biblical allusions and is considered an allegory, as it conveys a hidden meaning through the use of symbolic characters and events. Billy's story effectively mirrors the story of Jesus Christ's redemption in the Bible. Like Christ, Budd becomes a sacrificial figure, someone who has died for a greater cause or good. Claggart, who causes Billy's death, could be said to represent Satan, while Captain Vere is a representation of Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor who presided over Jesus's trial and gave the order for his crucifixion. 

In Chapter 22, the narrator makes an allusion to Abraham and Isaac:

The austere devotee of military duty, letting himself melt back into what remains primeval in our formalized humanity, may in end have caught Billy to his heart, even as Abraham may have caught young Isaac on the brink of resolutely offering him up in obedience to the exacting behest.

Unlock with LitCharts A+