I may not be able to attend on Monday due to the problem that kept me out Friday. Should I be unable to attend class at any time, journals are still expected and required.

"Billy Budd, Sailor" is rife with variant readings, which is a good thing. One reading pits Billy's initial berth on The Rights of Man against the Bellipotent, which means "Mighty in War." Such a reading often looks at the struggle between "justice" (the rights of man) and "law" (the need to be mighty in war). Examine the manner in which notions of justice and law work with and/or against each other in the story. Provide three examples of the conflict/confluence between the two from the reading. These examples will 'X' and should be illustrated with a passage from the text. What 'X' does and means could address why each conflict/confluence might be of concern today. Respond to at least three journals posted by your classmates.

Much of Monday's class will be a mock trial--the sentencing phase--of Billy, where some of the class will play the prosecution, some the defense. You will provide support for whichever team you find yourself on, either prosecuting or defending Billy. Come prepared!