Short Fiction · Chapter
XXI explained
The chaplain attempts to prepare Billy Budd for death, but Billy's natural innocence and politeness prevent him from fully grasping the religious concepts.
What happens
The chaplain attempts to prepare Billy Budd for death, but Billy's natural innocence and politeness prevent him from fully grasping the religious concepts. The chaplain, recognizing Billy's essential innocence, ultimately withdraws without pressing his message, kissing Billy on the cheek before leaving. The chapter reflects on the incongruity of a chaplain serving in a military context, where the religion of peace is subordinated to the demands of war.
Themes in this chapter
Innocence vs. Evil
Billy's innocence is contrasted with the harsh reality of his impending execution, and the chaplain acknowledges that innocence is 'a better thing than religion wherewith to go to judgment.'
Authority and Rebellion
The chaplain's inability to intervene in Billy's fate underscores the rigid authority of martial law, which overrides any moral or religious considerations.
Justice and Injustice
The chapter questions the justice of executing an innocent man under military law, with the chaplain's passive acceptance highlighting the systemic injustice.
Characters to notice
- Billy Budd
Billy listens politely to the chaplain but does not truly comprehend or embrace the religious teachings; his innocence is highlighted as a quality superior to religion for facing judgment.
- Captain the Honourable Edward Fairfax Vere
Captain Vere instructs a lieutenant to inform the chaplain about Billy's situation, showing his involvement in the proceedings.
- The Narrator (Billy Budd)
The narrator provides commentary on the chaplain's role and the irony of a minister of peace serving in a military setting.
Key passages
“If in vain the good chaplain sought to impress the young barbarian with ideas of death akin to those conveyed in the skull, dial, and crossbones on old tombstones; equally futile to all appearance were his efforts to bring home to him the thought of salvation and a Saviour.”
The chaplain's attempts to teach Billy about death and salvation were unsuccessful, as Billy did not truly grasp these concepts.
Highlights Billy's inability to comprehend religious teachings about mortality and redemption.
“Stooping over, he kissed on the fair cheek his fellow-man, a felon in martial law, one who, though in the confines of death, he felt he could never convert to a dogma; nor for all that did he fear for his future.”
The chaplain kissed Billy's cheek, acknowledging him as a fellow human condemned by military law, and did not worry about Billy's spiritual fate despite failing to convert him.
Shows the chaplain's emotional response and his acceptance of Billy's innocence.
“Bluntly put, a chaplain is the minister of the Prince of Peace serving in the host of the God of War—Mars. As such, he is as incongruous as a musket would be on the altar at Christmas.”
A chaplain in the military is a contradiction, serving a religion of peace within an institution of war, like a weapon placed on a sacred altar.
Critiques the paradoxical role of religious figures in military contexts.