Day 4

Billy Budd Lesson Plan

Discussion of Thought Questions

  1. 1

    Is Billy foolish to ignore the Dansker's warnings? Would paranoia have been a better response?

    In hindsight, it's clear that the Dansker was right. Claggart does have an irrational hatred of Billy. But would paranoia improve things? The Dansker sees conspiracies even when they may not be there, which is why he accuses the afterguardsman of being "a cats-paw." More caution may have kept Billy safe, or it may have only increased hostilities on the ship.

  2. 2

    Why does the afterguardsman treat Billy so kindly? Is he trying to frame Billy? Is he still trying to recruit Billy? Was it something else?

    The afterguardsman's treatment of Billy is one of the more vexing parts of...

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