Billy Budd is a story full of irony. This literary aspect is found through the plot and the characters of the work. As defined in the American Heritage Dictionary, irony is the use of words to express the opposite of their literal meaning. After a casual reading of the story, the many ironic aspects may have been overlooked, but upon analysis of the story it becomes apparent that they are of great importance. expect from his nature” (Johnson, 185). The character of Billy Budd is portrayed as a peacemaker, a young, innocent, friendly and gentle man. However, midway through the story, he becomes a murderer. Billy Budd was first introduced to the reader as a handsome, healthy, honest, and sincerely innocent young man. He doesn't believe that Claggart could hate him, since he is so kind to his face. When Billy discovers Claggart's lies, he beats and kills him. This is not an action readers expected due to the character he played throughout the first half of the story. Bill...