These chapters introduce John Claggart, the thirty-five-year-old master-at-arms who receives more detailed attention in subsequent chapters. One of the most intriguing characters in the book, Claggart has attracted wide attention from critics, who present various interpretations of his role in the unfolding drama. Melville emphasizes that, because of the difficulties England was facing, such men as Claggart were fair game for recruiters, who were desperate for warm bodies to staff England’s naval vessels, even if such recruits were malcontents or criminals.
Claggart’s role as a military policeman aboard the man-of-war does not endear him to the crew. His abrupt advancement to this position from a lower one results from intelligence, seriousness of purpose, and respect for superiors. Melville also notes Claggart’s sneakiness “manifested on a singular occasion,” but he never explains the occasion.
Another important character appears in these passages. The old Dansker, an experienced sailor who at first doubts Billy’s innocence, later wonders at the incongruity of so naive a man aboard the vessel. Billy seeks out the old Dansker as an intuitive sage who can penetrate the puzzlement presented by Claggart’s inexplicable behavior.
Experienced sailor that he is, the old Dansker sees through Claggart; in his austere way, he is drawn to Billy. The Dansker is one of the most important crew members and, along with them, functions as a chorus to comment on and interpret the action. Through the Dansker’s wise assessment of Claggart, we learn that Billy has become the object of Claggart’s hatred.
