Essay On Benito Cerreno

756 Words2 Pages

Benito Cereno is a novel written by Herman Melville in 1855. One of the major characters in the book is Babo, a black slave on Benito Cereno’s ship, the San Dominick. Babo is arguably one of the most complex characters in Benito Cereno. The perception of Babo changes throughout the reading. In the beginning, Babo is portrayed as Cereno’s loyal companion and supporter, but Babo attempts to murder Cereno by the end of the book. There is a drastic and dramatic change in Babo from a benevolent and trustworthy friend to a malevolent and powerful leader.

Babo is supporting Benito Cereno a great amount in the beginning of the book. The book refers to Babo as, “Less a servant than a devoted companion.” (Melville, 7) Delano says to Benito, “Don Benito, I envy you such a …show more content…

“The Negro Babo warned [Benito] that if he varied [from his instructions] in the least, or uttered any word, or gave any look that should give the least intimation of the past events or present state, he would instantly kill him, with all his companions…” (Melville, 73) Babo told Benito Cereno that if he gave any sign to Captain Delano that he was in control, he would immediately kill Benito and all of the crew. Babo is actually malevolent and all of his actions throughout the book are done with the intention of maintaining control and fear.

In the depositions at the end of the novel, it is revealed that Babo orchestrated all of the murders. “That the Negro Babo was the plotter from first to last; he ordered every murder, and was the helm and keel of the revolt…” (Melville, 76) Don Benito’s deposition explained that Babo plotted and ordered every murder and was both the leader and the foundation of the revolt. This shows the extreme change in what the reader is told about Babo. In the beginning, Babo is portrayed as subservient and peaceful, and in the end Babo is revealed to have orchestrated countless

More about Essay On Benito Cerreno

Open Document