Billy Budd as ChristIn this novel, Billy Budd, Melville acts as a "Creator", in that he gives Billy Budd certain superhuman qualities, which allows him to possess the traits of a servant of God. Billy Budd is Christ-like, due to his peace-making abilities. However, he is a peacemaker who will fight for what he believes in and to keep the peace. Early in the novel, when Red Whiskers is causing trouble for Billy Budd, he hits him with a powerful blow and has no further trouble with him. or even the crew. Melville then foreshadows how Billy will use the same tactic the next time he encounters a bully like Red Whiskers. It seems ironic of the names of the ships as we move forward in the story. Billy Budd moves from Human Rights to Bellipotent, so it appears he's making a change like a minister ordained bishop. Bellipotent means a good ship, in this sense belli- means kind, and -potent means strong and powerful. Melville seems to want his audience to also view the ships as Christ-like symbols. As in another story, Young Goodman Brown by Hawthorne, a young man is too eager to face his destiny. Billy Budd doesn't hesitate at all when Lieutenant Ratcliffe wants him to serve King George III. Billy Budd goes from a peaceful merchant ship to a warship, full of weapons and military discipline. Melville suggests here that Billy will prefer to endure many problems and difficulties upon entering this service. Billy Budd plays the role of Chief Petty Officer on this ship, leading the audience to wonder if he is doing this by the grace of God, to bring change to the ship, or if he is playing with fate. At the time this novel took place, wars were being fought, which was later called the Great Mutiny (a time when sailors rebelled against their own kind). This explains most of the story Melville is trying to present. Melville presents Captain Vere as a dedicated officer who allows only obedience to duty and is very strict in matters of discipline. The author has already predicted many things to the public. He lets us see how Billy is destined to clash with at least one shipmate, and could possibly be charged with mutiny, since these thoughts are already on the minds of many officers..