The Tragedy of Chapter 19 occurs when Billy is called to a cabin with the Captain and Claggart. The latter accuses Billy of attempting to form a mutiny conspiracy, which provokes Billy to part a blow to Claggart. I do not sympathize with Billy in this turn of events. Whether intentional or not, Billy’s actions killed Claggart and I do not feel for him as it is still manslaughter. I do not think that action is right, as one can not simply digress into violence as a solution for any problem. Billy should have reasoned with the master-at-arms and try to
Question 6
Captain Vere takes a few actions after the traumatizing situation. The first action he took was to check if Claggart was dead, and after confirming that, he calls for the Captain of the marines and the lieutenants for a court. I believe that his action was justified and the correct one. Military discipline is one of the highest regarded aspects of all men serving in any army/navy/air force. Following those procedures are every man’s duty on the ship and the captain does not have an exception to it. The court, after much discussion, sentences Billy to be hung the next morning. Captain Vere also enforces that the entire incident of the death of Claggart also be kept a secret from the rest of the crew. His reasoning is simple: to prevent any thoughts of the “Nore” from reoccurring. This is an action that I think is allowed and justified, as the case should have some time before being shown to the public.
Keeping the case secret may prevent mutiny.
you are correct in your response to question 5. I think that billy should not be held responsible to the death of claggart, but he should be responsible for punching him. He did this not to kill claggart, but just to output his emotions. I like your picture, I think it is quite relevant.
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