Question 1
John Claggart is the almost the complete opposite of Billy, he is older, higher ranking, and described as wicked. Unlike Billy, who is a simple, straight forward person, he has motives and uses deception and second meanings that Billy can't even begin to comprehend. Throughout the book, he speaks in a kind manner to Billy, despite the fact that he has no such kind feelings for him. I think that because he hides his true feelings and motives from people all of the time, he believes that others do the same, and therefore, reads unintended meanings in the actions or statements of others. A good example of this is when Billy spills the soup on the newly cleaned floor, Claggart seems to think that Billy directed this act as an insult toward Claggart himself, and therefore insults him (in a way that Billy does not understand). I believe that Claggart is motivated to dislike and even hate Billy out of envy, Billy represents the ideal person in the story, and Claggart is envious of this perfection.
Whilst this image is rather simple, It coveys Claggart’s point of view: Destroy those who have what you can’t.
Question 4
The Dansker is the person whose job is to show/teach Billy about hidden meanings and deception. He repeatedly suggests that Claggart is working against him, and is unfriendly toward Billy. Billy, however, flatly denies this, refusing to believe it. The reason, I think, that he refuses to believe it, is because he cannot believe it, he is a simple person, who does not “deal double meanings”. I think that the Dansker’s task in the story is to help Billy survive the ship, by providing someone for him to confide in, and giving advice.
This is a response to Question 4:
ReplyDeleteI think that you're right. Dansker is somewhat of a guide and mentor to Billy. Because Dansker is "older and wiser" than Billy, he is able to recognize that Claggart dislikes Billy. On the other hand, Billy, because of his innocence, does not believe Dansker. You are also right about the reason why Billy refuses to believe what Dansker says. I also think however, that Billy is just unable to understand that evil exists. He may be simple, but he is just not able to comprehend the fact that someone could be evil. Danskers role is also to give Billy someone to talk to. Having a character like Dansker also helps use understand how innocent and naive Billy truly is.
Question 1
ReplyDeleteAccurate response. Claggart really is a person that is envious of others that have what he doesn't. As a result, he hates them and wants to destroy them. Also he is actually a nice person deep down, his fear of people conspiring againt always gets in the way.
Question 4
You used Dansker as a mentor and guide for Billy. That is true, however, you forgot to put that he is also in the story to show that Billy is more innocent and naive than what we think he is.