Herman Melville's Billy Budd, The Sailor: "Truth uncompromisingly told will always have its jagged edges"

"Billy Budd" follows a young seaman impressed into the Royal Navy during a tumultuous time. Billy, innocent and charismatic, faces envy from the master-at-arms, Claggart, who falsely accuses him of mutiny. In a moment of frustration, Billy unintentionally kills Claggart and must confront the consequences of his actions.