Chapter 22 Summary

Captain Vere himself gives Billy the news. He spends some time with the young man and one who saw him leave declares that he is also suffering.

Chapter 22 Analysis

It is hard to know how to feel about Vere. We don't feel that he's being hypocritical when he treats Billy compassionately. But the fact of the matter is, the young man's life is in his hands and he willingly sacrifices it to the system.