|
||
|
Songs “Billy in the Darbies” (Poem & Activity) is the poem that ends the novella. Benedict Nelson performs a version from the Britten opera. Vinicio Capossela’s “Billy Budd” in Italian is his quirky performance of the same poem. His Italian lyrics are powerful. My re-translation back into English a little crazy. The Morrisey “Billy Budd” is less clearly related to the novella (lyrics). “Billy Budd” by Peacefield seems to be directly related to the novella, though something is amiss in the lyrics.
|
|
|
|
|
Ancillary Texts
|
||
EnrichmentEnriched Classics packet Three Letters -- A wonderful assignment by Dixie Dellinger. Group Analysis -- Four interpretaive lenses for analysing the novella Billy Budd and the Law Discussion Questions -- a worthwhile focus for discussion. GrammarDog Sampler -- I love these materials! Grammar, usage, literary terms, style, and more taught using passages from the novells. Prestwick Unit Sampler -- Better for non-AP classes, but Essays would work for both. Full-Text Editions
|
|
|
Criticism
|
|
Handouts
The Movie
The Play 
Prints by Ruth Oinn, inspired by the operas of Benjamin Britten, these from Billy Budd. |
||
 |
 |
 |
King of the Birds -- “The print symbolises the freedom and companionship Billy Budd feels as foretopman aboard the Indomitable before Claggart begins to work his evil.” (Ruth Oinn) |
The Darkness Comprehends – “This print visualises the struggle between Claggart and Billy, which Claggart inevitably wins. Claggart sees Billy’s goodness and is compelled to destroy him. I used the myth of the Kraken, all sailors’ worst fear, to symbolise Claggart.” (Ruth Oinn) | Fathoms Down Fathoms -- “Before his execution Billy dreams of how his body will sink into the twisting weeds. I have used the spiral of gold coins to represent him. He was, by Claggart’s own admission, “a beauty, a jewel, a pearl of great price” so gold seemed fitting. ” (Ruth Oinn) |
Enrichment: Other Melville Works |
||
“Bartleby the Scrivener”
|
Benito Cereno
|
Encantadas
|
King of the Birds -- “The print symbolises the freedom and companionship Billy Budd feels as foretopman aboard the Indomitable before Claggart begins to work his evil.” (Ruth Oinn) |
The Darkness Comprehends – “This print visualises the struggle between Claggart and Billy, which Claggart inevitably wins. Claggart sees Billy’s goodness and is compelled to destroy him. I used the myth of the Kraken, all sailors’ worst fear, to symbolise Claggart.” (Ruth Oinn) | Fathoms Down Fathoms -- “Before his execution Billy dreams of how his body will sink into the twisting weeds. I have used the spiral of gold coins to represent him. He was, by Claggart’s own admission, “a beauty, a jewel, a pearl of great price” so gold seemed fitting. ” (Ruth Oinn) |
Updated 14 June 2019. I can maintain and expand this website only with your help. Back to Assignments or Home.
|
