Billy Budd, Chapter 9 summary
Chapter 9 of 49 · 2 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 9, Billy Budd spills his soup when the ship rolls and takes Claggart’s teasing response as proof that the master-at-arms feels no hostility toward him. Billy misses Claggart’s grimace, while the official’s sharp blow against a drummer boy exposes anger beneath his controlled manner.
What happens
- During dinner, a sudden roll sends Billy’s soup across the clean deck and into Claggart’s path.
- Claggart notices Billy, checks an angry response, and taps him with his rattan while making an ambiguous joke.
- The messmates laugh dutifully, and Billy cheerfully treats the remark as evidence that Claggart bears him no ill will.
- Donald questions Billy’s claim, reminding Billy that only the Dansker suggests Claggart’s hostility.
- A drummer boy bumps into Claggart, who strikes him sharply and shouts a warning.
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Billy Budd et autres récits en prose, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Commencez 90 jours gratuitsNothing to pay today. 0,14 USD a day in the first year, then 0,27 USD a day.
In this chapter
What to notice
Billy treats the encounter as proof against the Dansker’s warning. His confidence contrasts with Claggart’s unnoticed grimace and his violence toward the boy.
Quick check
What causes Billy to spill his soup?
Free for 3 months
Get the full summary of Billy Budd et autres récits en prose, free
- 200,000+ classics as eBooks, audiobooks and 15-minute summaries, and print and large print at cost
- Up to 5 readers in your home on one plan
Commencez 90 jours gratuitsNothing to pay today. 0,14 USD a day in the first year, then 0,27 USD a day.
200,000+ classics to read, hear and hold
15-minute summaries today, eBooks and audiobooks as each book opens, and printed books, large print included, at cost.
Try 3 months free
