Symbols are used to represent something else. They can range from a red octagon representing a stop sign to a fish representing Jesus. They give depth and stimulate imagination and expressive thinking. They are often overlooked but can give new meaning to the work when discovered. Symbols and symbolism can be found everywhere in language, in art and in literature [PAR]. Language, in itself, is a set of symbols combined to represent ideas and physical objects. In art, an artist can use symbolism to represent an underlying message in their painting. Symbolism, within irony, plot, characters, etc., is used in literature [SAS]. In the short story Billy Budd, Herman Melville uses symbolism effectively throughout the story. Billy Budd best shows the symbolism through the name of the short story, Billy Budd as Jesus, and Billy's speech impediment. Herman Melville did not accidentally and randomly choose "Billy Budd" as the title and name of the main character. In fact, like most great authors, Melville carefully and wisely chose the words he wanted to be symbolic, such as the name Billy Budd. Billy is William's common nickname, which makes Billy's name more naive and supports his innocence [SAS]. Melville wrote, "her unpretentious beauty and a sort of cheerful, cheerful air" and wanted to portray the idea of ​​Billy's innocence (9). The surname “Budd” given to Billy was also cleverly chosen, symbolically representing a flower bud. The idea of ​​the bud fits Billy Budd well because it represents the inner beauty that has not yet developed to express itself to the world. This also fits the idea of ​​his innocence because, like the underdeveloped bud, Billy is naive and has not yet fully developed as a ch...... middle of paper ...... ered after being accused of mutiny. Regardless of Billy's imperfection, he still represents a symbol for Jesus. Billy Budd, with his charming appearance, outgoing personality, and forgiving nature, is portrayed as Jesus [BY]. Along with many other important symbols in Billy Budd, Melville displays his genius mind through his clever symbolism. He knew how to create a character to symbolize Jesus while giving him a necessary flaw. Billy Budd is not only the story of a sailor who was admired by all and then praised after his death, but it also contains an underlying religious message about forgiveness created through symbolism. Symbolism helps add another element to writing and art. It is often used to send a message to its audience about a moral or societal issue. Symbolism is an effective tool in literature and can be found in more works than one might think once a second look or reading is done..