Melville is a master of rhythm. His penchant for digression is always under control. He can switch to dynamic brevity whenever it suits his purpose. In these brief chapters, he presents a fast wrap-up of the rituals of British naval procedure on a ship in wartime. All compassion spent, the officers and crew of the Bellipotent perform the formalities of their grim duties.
They observe every detail of the regulations. Captain Vere relates to the condemned man his fate. Members of Claggart’s mess attend to the body. The crew lowers it into the sea with proper rites. Unobtrusive precautions are taken to prevent disorder. Meanwhile, one assumes, the Bellipotent sails on to rejoin the Mediterranean fleet.
