# XXV explained — Short Fiction

> Chapter companion for Short Fiction by Herman Melville.

## What happens

A naval chronicle's account of the execution of Billy Budd is reproduced, presenting a distorted version of events that portrays Billy as a foreign assassin and Claggart as a patriotic victim.

## Themes in this chapter

### Justice and Injustice

The official account presents a skewed version of justice, labeling Budd a depraved assassin while ignoring Claggart's malice.

### Appearance vs. Reality

The chronicle's narrative contrasts sharply with the true events, showing how appearances can be manipulated.

## Character check-ins

### Billy Budd

Described in the naval chronicle as the ringleader of an incipient plot and the assassin of Claggart.

### John Claggart

Portrayed in the chronicle as a respectable, patriotic master-at-arms who was stabbed to death by Budd.

### Captain the Honourable Edward Fairfax Vere

Mentioned as the captain before whom Claggart was arraigning Budd.

## Key lines

> On the tenth of the last month a deplorable occurrence took place on board H.M.S. Indomitable.

A tragic incident happened on the Indomitable on the tenth of last month.

_Opening of the naval chronicle's report._

> The criminal paid the penalty of his crime. The promptitude of the punishment has proved salutary.

Budd was executed swiftly, and the punishment was deemed effective in restoring order.

_Conclusion of the chronicle, emphasizing the perceived success of the execution._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_28_se/chapters/xxv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_28_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/short_fiction_28_se/chapters