Billy Budd Journal Entry # 1:Brief summary:The story begins in 1797 with an introduction explaining the "handsome sailor" phenomenon. This refers to the youngest and most handsome sailor to whom the other crew members flock. In this case the sailor is Billy Budd. The narrator then explains how Billy Budd ends up on the Bellipotent, after being chosen by Ratcliffe. At the time, the loyalty of each crew was questioned (there had been many mutinies), and Budd seemed the obvious choice due to his disposition. His new shipmates greet him with “a surprised look of silent reproach” (Melville 3). He soon wins over the crew... everyone except Claggart who has decided to get rid of Billy Budd (he is envious of his status among his fellow crew members and his ability to be so innocent). Interestingly, the two, Billy and Claggart, are both of the same lineage in a way... I guess what I mean is that neither of them knows their origins. However...Claggart tempts Billy Budd by sending one of the stern guards to tempt him with the idea of ​​mutiny. Billy resists. Claggart then confronts Captain Vere, voicing his concerns about Billy Budd. They take Billy to Vere's cabin and Vere asks Claggart to confront Billy. Billy is completely stunned by the accusations and hits Claggart, knocking him to the ground. This shot kills Claggart. Billy is then tried and convicted. He is hanged in front of his crew and his last words are "God bless Captain Vere!" (his final act of kindness, hinting at forgiveness) (Melville 49). What emotional reaction did you have to the text? I felt sorry for Billy Budd. I didn't want him to die. He was an innocent soul. My heart stopped when he punched John in the face... knocking him to the ground... into the middle of the paper... I would have been spared. The book as a whole was just very sad. I didn't like it as much as Ethan Frome. What intellectual reaction did you have? You never know when life might be cut short, so it's important to love those around you and accept their love. This way, even in death, your memory of them can continue to live on in your heart. What personal connection have you made? I haven't made a real personal connection to this story. I've had friends and relatives who died, yes... But in my opinion the religious focus of this book in a certain sense took something away from me. I'm not religious and I don't really understand the appeal of the idea that some sort of divine being has control over the lives of human beings. What questions do you have? Why did each of these people have to die? Is it possible to answer this question? Because people are always more appreciated after they are gone??