Billy Budd - Symmetry of Form

Inevitable Asymmetry

Approaching the conclusion of Billy Budd, it is stated by Herman Melville “The symmetry of form attainable in pure fiction can not so readily be achieved in a narration essentially having less to do with fable than with fact. Truth uncompromisingly told will always have its ragged edges.” Consequently, the author’s declaration proves itself not only toward the end of this novella, but throughout the narrations’ chain of events. The absence of symmetry of form as seen in Billy Budd is to be attributed to the fact that this narrative holds its own truth; and as confirmed by the author himself, truth is inevitably dispersed of; lacking any sort of form, consistency, and organization. The first eight chapters of the story expose the authors’ style in this novella, and can undoubtedly represent the crux of asymmetry as it applies to Billy Budd.
After being introduced to the tale in the beginning chapters, one cannot help but question Melville’s une...