Benito Cerreno Essay

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Benito Cereno Herman Melville's novella "Benito Cereno," the novella explores a moral dilemma and narrative intricacy that allows the reader to think and question who they should be sympathizing with. The intent for Melville to keep the story grey was perfectly executed in keeping an even side with all three characters, Captain Benito Cereno, Captain Amasa Delano, and the slaves that took over the ship along with Babo. Though it can be quite difficult to pick one to be sympathetic to, there is a sound argument that can be said that all three have a great deal of sympathy that the readers can sympathize with. To start with, Benito Cereno is an unfortunate man under the circumstances that he is under the burden of maintaining a professional composer …show more content…

One specific scene we see in the novella is the shaving scene, in this particular scene it is a representation of the power that is beheld by the captors on the ships and the fear that Benito truly has. As he is being shaved, both of the individuals know how easy it is to end Benito’s life. This is also shown in the novella, as Benito shows just a hint of emotion. “Here an involuntary expression came over the Spaniard, similar to that just before on the deck, and whether it was the start he gave, or a sudden gawky roll of the hull in the calm, or a momentary unsteadiness of the servant’s hand; however it was, just then the razor drew blood, spots of which stained the creamy lather under the throat;” (Melville, 76). Benito cannot show any sign of distress or emotion that even hints at the fact that he is in danger. Another moment when this occurs is when Babo is behind Delano, staring him down to make sure to remind him of the reality of the situation. This can allow sympathy for Cereno as the readers see the vulnerability and the dilemma, he faces in navigating the scenario he is in with the newfound loss of

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