Billy Budd Journal Entry #1: Brief Summary: The story begins in 1797 with an introduction explaining the phenomenon of the "Handsome Sailor". This refers to the younger, more handsome sailor that the other crew members flock to. In this case, the sailor is Billy Budd. The narrator then explains how Billy Budd ended up on the Bellipotent, after being chosen by Ratcliffe. At the time, the loyalty of a given crew was in question (there had been many mutinies) and Budd seemed to be the obvious choice thanks to his character. His new comrades greet him with “a surprised look of silent reproach” (Melville 3). Soon enough, he wins over the crew... all except Claggart who has decided to get rid of Billy Budd (he is envious of his status among the other crew members and his ability to be so innocent). Interestingly enough, the two, Billy and Claggart, are both the same race in some way. I guess what I'm saying is that neither of them knows their origins. Anyway... Claggart tempts Billy Budd by sending one of the rear guards to tempt him with the idea of ​​mutiny. Billy resists. Claggart then confronts Captain Vere, expressing his concerns regarding Billy Budd. They bring Billy to Vere's cabin and Vere asks Claggart to confront Billy. Billy is completely stunned by the allegations and punches Claggart, knocking him to the ground. This blow kills Claggart. Billy is later tried and found guilty. He is hanged in front of his crew and his last words are "God bless Captain Vere!" » (his final act of kindness, alluding to forgiveness) (Melville 49). What emotional reaction did you have to the text? I felt bad for Billy Budd. I didn't want him to die. He was an innocent soul. My heart stopped when he punched John in the face... knocking him to the ground...... middle of paper ... I would have been spared. The book as a whole was just very sad. I didn't like him as much as Ethan Frome. What intellectual reaction did you have? You never know when life may be cut short, so it is important to love those around us and accept their love. So, even in death, your memory of them can live on in the heart. What personal connection have you made? I didn't really make a personal connection to this story. I've had friends and family members pass away, yes... But in my opinion, the religious focus of this book kind of took away from it. I'm not religious and I don't really understand the fascination with the idea of ​​some sort of divine being controlling human lives. What questions are you asking yourself? Why did each of these people have to die? Can we even answer this question? Why people are always more appreciated after they leave?