Billy Budd and other prose pieces

the long version

Billy Budd: Billy Budd is a seaman impressed into service aboard HMS Bellipotent in the year 1797, when the Royal Navy was reeling from two major mutinies and was threatened by the Revolutionary French Republic's military ambitions. Billy, a foundling from Bristol, has an innocence, good looks and a natural charisma that make him popular with the crew. His only physical defect is a stutter which grows worse when under intense emotion. Billy arouses the antagonism of the ship's master-at-arms, John Claggart, who eventually falsely charge Billy with conspiracy to mutiny. Claggart makes his case and Billy, astounded, is unable to respond, due to his stutter. In his extreme frustration he strikes out at Claggart, killing him instantly, and Billy must undergo a court-marshal.