Captain Vere as Outsider And Insider - Essay Example

In the room, Captain requests Billy to defend himself against the claims. However, Billy cannot defend himself since he cannot communicate properly when under duress. Therefore, he remains quiet since he avoids stuttering. With only one means of defence, Billy strikes a blow to Claggart’s forehead and thus making him bleed in the ears and nose to death (Calhoun, 2). Vere constitutes a jury, which decides on Billy’s case and later sends him to the gallows after being found guilty of murder. Despite doubting Claggart’s accusations, he does not request proof even though Claggart claims that he can prove the claims (Melville & Milder, 123). However, he shies away from requesting the evidence and even makes it a secret. As the Captain, he would demand proof and conduct investigations to ascertain such claims. In case he could find any evidence, he could have then proceeded to summon Billy to the cabin to listen to his views about the lawsuit.

Moreover, since he knew Billy had a problem with communication more so when under stress, he could have summoned him in private to listen to his side of the story when not stressed. This is because, stress-free, Billy could have responded to the accusation and thus would not have been sent to the gallows. However, he blundered when he requested Claggart to confront Billy with the claims despite knowing that Billy would not respond due to the influence of stress. Furthermore, by making such accusations discrete, Billy limited chances of determining the truth since fellow crewmembers. This is because probably they could have confirmed or denied the accusation against Billy (Melville & Milder, 115).

When Claggart dies, Vere considers it a divine judgment in that he believes Claggart’s evil deeds result in his death. According to him, Claggart is the devil while Billy is an angel. Therefore, the angel has stricken dead the devil for his evil deeds. However, his perception of the situation is controversial since he declares that the angel must die even though he has killed the devil. His stake in the situation also contravenes his perception and love for Billy. Despite knowing that Billy is innocent, his declaration that he must die already shows his decision on Billy’s fate (Melville & Milder189).

Captain Vere’s decision not to wait for the admiral to determine the case also creates doubt over his love for Billy. His resolution to initiate a quick prosecution for Billy seems rash. His reason for initiating quick prosecution and determination of the case is to avoid sending dangerous messages to the crewmembers. However, this reason seems illogical since one cannot be prosecuted based only on laws. This is because in some situations, the principles of justice prevail upon the law. Therefore, instead of waiting for the admiral to decide on Billy’s case, he quickly assembles a jury to determine the cause (Melville & Milder, 209). Furthermore, he handpicks the jury, prosecutes, he decides for the jury and therefore, is responsible for Billy’s death. For instance, he directs the jury to decide on Billy’s fate even though the jury is reluctant and requests enough time to make the ruling. Captain Vere demands that the jury make two decisions; either acquit Billy off the charges or condemn him for being responsible for Claggart’s death. Under Vere’s demand, the jury decides on Billy’s fate by proving him guilty of murder and thereafter, sending him to the gallows (Melville & Milder, 152).

Vere’s actions and behaviour are for protecting the integrity of the crew. His fear is that the law guiding the navy officers may be compromised and that it could send wrong messages to the crew (Calhoun, 6). Such messages can cause the downfall of the entire British navy and thus fail the country. However, Vere’s conduct is unjustifiable since it leads to the execution of Billy, an innocent man. Despite believing Billy’s innocence, his support for quick prosecution and determination of the case limits Billy’s chances for a fair trial since he is unfairly condemned and executed. Moreover, Vere could understand that there are times when the principles of justice overcome the laws. This is because man creates such laws while at the same time cannot influence the principle of justice. In addition, such laws can be modified to suit the prevailing circumstances and situations without compromising justice.