Approximately forty years separate Typee, Melville's autobiographical tale of his first encounter with the ambiguities of life and the conflict of good and evil in the universe, from Billy Budd. The themes of the later novel, however, are not greatly changed from those of Typee. In both, the main character faces the threat of destruction by an evil force he does not comprehend. The theme of the noble savage is as strong in Billy Budd as it is in Typee. That Billy is untutored in the ways of the world remains unchanged throughout the story.
One suggested theme of Billy Budd is the corruption of innocence by society. Melville seems to prefer the primitive state over civilized society. If this posthumous work is indeed the author's last will and testament, the theme may indicate his personal resignation and acceptance of the imperfection of life. It also reflects his dissociation from religion, which had always been full of contradictions and uncertain-ties for him. Finally, in this terminal work he seems to adjust to the incongruities of life as a necessary tragic factor. Through acceptance and endurance, his characters — and the author as well — discover a peace and understanding gained through suffering and reflection.
Critics shore up their interpretation of Melville's final words with an explanation of innocence and perfection in this short novel. They see the two concepts as unequal. Billy, though innocent, is not perfect. Rather, he embraces death as a means of atoning for evil and goes willingly to his death, blessing Captain Vere as Christ blessed his enemies. If this analysis is true, Billy may represent Melville's late-in-life subordination of will to God's infinite judgment.
