Thus, Melville clearly portrays Billy as the greatest of innocents, infused with godlike looks and a pure heart. As this type of a character is realistically unlikely, many readers can quickly interpret Billy to be, therefore, a symbol of innocence. Indeed, even in his hanging Billy's image remains intact, as his last words are: "God Bless Captain Vere" (1426).

This innocence, however, meets with the harsh ruling of justice. Indeed, as Billy leaves the merchant vessel, the Rights of Man, during his impressment, the author foreshadows that Billy, will, indeed loose his rights. As innocent as Melville paints Billy, he paints justice as gruesome. The circumstances that lead to Claggart's murder at Billy's hands are no fault of Billy's, and are planned by Claggart himself. From their first acquaintance, Billy finds himself "getting into petty trouble" because Claggart does not like Billy (1377). Furthermore, Claggarrt's determination to taint Billy's name...
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