"Passion, and passion in its profoundest, is not a thing demanding a palatial stage whereon to play its part. Down among the groundling, among the beggars and rakers of the garbage, profound passion is enacted." (Page 78, Section 143)
As I read this quote at the beginning of Chapter 13, I was really struck by it. I think it is a great statement about human nature and is true... with the exception of Billy. I feel that Billy does not exhibit any examples of passion throughout the novel. He works hard yes, but that is because it's all he knows. He never hosts a strong passion similar Claggart's, never even dislikes the guy until right before he throws the fatal punch.
The punch, some might say, is the perfect example of passion. I have to disagree and say that I think it was Billy's childlike reaction to a situation he had never encountered before. So if everyone is capable of passion why isn't Billy?
I never really thought about Billy's character with regards to his passion, but I agree with your opinion. Billy doesn't seem to feel strongly about anything, and tends to "go with the flow". The reader doesn't learn all that much about Billy besides his reactions to others throughout the book.
Posted by: Kristie B | 10/06/2009 at 06:27 PM