Billy Budd | Chapters 28-29 Summary and Analysis

Summary
The crew is convened once more, this time to witness the burial at sea. When this is completed, a “second strange human murmur” is heard, this time, however, blending with the sounds of the sea fowl circling the burial site.

The presence of the sea fowl has great significance for the superstitious sailors. (See analysis.) Deeply moved by this omen, the sailors begin to display an “uncertain movement,” an infringement of naval decorum. The officers move quickly—they give the order and the crew is swiftly dispersed by a drumbeat. The sailors, long...


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