Billy Budd has been regarded as one of the most inscrutable works of one of America's most ambiguous authors. Written by Herman Melville, this novella expresses deep thoughts and stunning imagery that provide the reader with imperative information about the major characters. These major characters all go through some tough stages, and few prevail. For those whose lives are cut short by death, the reader must concentrate on the causes of death. One certain victim stands out: Billy Budd. Melville's short novel raises a controversy in the reader's mind over who is ultimately responsible for Billy Budd's death. This controversy has come to an end, because it is Billy Budd himself who made the largest transgression, which cost him his life, making him his own killer.

Herman Melville does a great job in setting the stage for the climax. After Billy Budd is impressed onto the Bellipotent from...