1. Discuss the character of Claggart. How does his physical appearance relate to his internal character, as far as we know?
Claggart’s physical appearance is quite stereotypical of an enforcer of the ‘law’. He is thin, tall, has black hair, and according to the narrator has and “his eye could cast a tutoring glance” (pg. 313). His internal character, as far as we know, is quite dark and sinister. The narrator makes it sound like Claggart is quite cruel and makes reference to him as the devil on the micro-community of the ship. What we also know that enforces Claggart’s internal character is his attitude towards Billy. In normal conversations, and regular encounters on the ship, Claggart is nice to Billy, always saying nice things about him etc. But Billy notices that Claggart often bugs Billy for doing little things slightly wrong, and consults an experienced sailor, “the Dankster”. The Dankster explains to Billy that he thinks that Claggart may have a grudge against Billy. Billy does not believe this, because of how Claggart treats him around the rest of the crew. This is an example of Claggart’s nice, physical appearance, and his sinister, evil interior that is rarely exposed to the ships crew.
2. How are the tensions between Billy and Claggart developed? What are they symbolic of?
The tensions between Billy and Claggart are developed because of Claggart’s envy of Billy. After an incident where Billy accidentally spilled some soup and Claggart made some sarcastic comments about Billy’s ‘handsomeness’, the narrator says “But at heart and not for nothing, as the late chance encounter may indicate to the discerning, down on him, secretly down on him, he assuredly was” (pg. 323). This essentially assures the audience of the notion that Claggart secretly envy’s and dislikes Billy. Claggart is mostly envious of Billy’s good looks, charm, and good intentions. Claggart envy’s Billy’s ability to do good, because, as the narrator suggests, Claggart’s evil interior is not a chosen trait, it is simply the way he is. Billy and Claggart’s relationship is symbolic of the good and the evil, the innocent and naive and the experienced and scarred. Billy represents the “ideal man”, the young, handsome, kind sailor, while Claggart represents the battered, old, torn sailor. Essentially, Billy and Claggart are symbolic of the two polar opposites of a typical society, and the tension and envy that encompasses their personalities.
Billy and Claggarts relationship is like fireworks in the night sky. Billy represents the fireworks - the bright, sparkling lights that everyone admires, while Claggart represents the dark, haunting, evil night sky, that many people are afraid of.
For your question one, I think that you have a good description for Claggart. The relation of Claggart as the Devil on the ship is well put. As well, the way that you relate to the occurrences is well done. The description in my opinion is accurate, but I think a quote will re-enforce the points more. Your second question is also excellently done, and most points factual to my current knowledge. Your quote also backs up your point in which Dansker told Billy. Your description of Claggart being the “battered, old torn sailor” is not correct in my opinion, as he does not fit the role as well as Dansker. I think a role that is better for him is a character foil for Billy, as he has a dark, calculating mind that thinks Billy is a threat to himself.
ReplyDeleteThis is very clarifying, thanks! The book is so full of long diatribes where the author goes into philosophical laments like the one in chapter 11. While I picked up his thoughts on having to cross consciousness, he lost me from there. While I knew that Claggart is the bad guy and envies Billy for his charm and livelihood, I had no idea that this was a good vs. evil morality play.
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