Billy Budd

The novella explores themes of innocence, justice, and the moral dilemmas faced by individuals in authority. Billy Budd, a strikingly handsome sailor, faces dire consequences after unintentionally killing his accuser, Claggart. Captain Vere grapples with his duty to uphold the law against his understanding of Budd's true nature, leading to a tragic resolution. Celebrated for its depth and complexity, this unfinished work is regarded as one of Melville's most significant contributions to American literature.