Benito Cereno Themes
Slavery
Slavery is the
Big Bad theme that informs "Benito Cereno": this story is, after all,
about a revolt on a slave ship.
While it's tough to get a read on Melville's opinion about
the abolition move...
Lies and Deceit
Benito Cereno and Babo tell lies so fast in "Benito
Cereno" that we're surprised they don't have twin Pinocchio noses. The
real question is the motive behind the lies. Clearly, Cereno is trying to...
Cunning and Cleverness
Babo is the King of Cunning in "Benito Cereno."
Come on, he practically orchestrates the whole scheme that keeps Captain Delano
hoodwinked. It's kind of amazing when you think about the sheer numbe...
Weakness
"Benito Cereno" may be a powerful little story,
but Benito Cereno himself is weak-sauce. In other words, he relies totally on
others to help him out, especially his beloved Babo. Even though Delano...
The Supernatural
Ghost ships, skeletons, and spooky sailors, oh my!
"Benito Cereno"
is chock-full of creepy moments that make the hairs on the back
of your neck stand up. The thing is, it's not always clear why the...
Power
Life aboard the San
Dominick is one big power struggle. While the power in
"Benito Cereno" had previously been in the hands of Cereno and the
rest of the Spanish crew, the slave rebellion totally u...