Billy Budd & Other Stories

Melville'sshortstoriesaremasterpieces.Thebestaretobeappreciatedonmorethanonelevelandthosepresentedherearerichwithsymbolismandspiritualdepth.Setin1797,BillyBudd,ForetopmanexploitsthetensionofthisperiodduringthewarbetweenEnglandandFrancetocreateataleofsatanictreachery,tragedyandgreatpathosthatexploreshumanrelationshipsandtheinherentlyambiguousnatureofman-madejustice.TalessuchasBartleby,BenitoCereno,TheLightningRodMan,TheTartarusofMaidsorIandMyChimneyshowthetimelesspoeticpowerofMelville'swritingasheconsciouslyusesthedisguiseofallegoryinvariouswaysandtovariousends.