Billy Budd - Chapter 4 Summary & Analysis

This Study Guide consists of approximately 76 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of Billy Budd.
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Billy Budd - Chapter 4 Summary & Analysis

This Study Guide consists of approximately 76 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of Billy Budd.
This section contains 289 words
(approx. 1 page at 400 words per page)
Buy the Billy Budd Study Guide

Chapter 4 Summary

The narrator now apologizes for taking a bypath. He compares the changes in sea warfare since the date mentioned in Chapter 3 to the changes in battle brought about by the introduction of gunpowder into Europe. Thus, in the current age, the nobler qualities of the naval heroes have become obsolete. For example, a star has been inserted in the Victory's quarterdeck to mark the spot where Nelson fell.

Some would say that Nelson's ostentatious focus on himself in battle not only was unnecessary but not military-that it was the mark of foolhardiness and vanity. Some would even say that he might have survived Trafalgar but for his bravado, and the many losses in the storm that followed the battle might have been avoided. In Nelson's defense, few commanders were as capable at strategy; reckless or not; he was successful where others who were...

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This section contains 289 words
(approx. 1 page at 400 words per page)
Buy the Billy Budd Study Guide
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Billy Budd from Gale. ©2005-2006 Thomson Gale, a part of the Thomson Corporation. All rights reserved.