English II

September 28, 2005

JS

When one examines the connection between Billy Budd and the Sacrificial Lamb, Jesus Christ, it becomes obvious that Melville's short novel Billy Budd closely parallels the life story of Jesus Christ Himself. Some of the ways that Billy Budd relates with Christ in His final hours can be seen in the way that he accepts his death, forgives everyone, and is in-tune with himself at his time of death. Another is that both Billy and Jesus died to save others. They were killed so others may be free from sin. A third comparison between the two is the location where both were executed. Jesus was crucified on the middle of three crosses; likewise, Billy was hung from the middle mast of the ship. By examining the forgiveness, acceptance, calmness; martyrdom, and location of the executions of both Billy Budd...