Benito Cereno: Analysis of Major Characters
"Benito Cereno" is a novella by Herman Melville that explores themes of power, deception, and the complexities of human relationships through its major characters. The narrative centers around Captain Amasa Delano, an American sea captain who encounters a distressed Spanish ship helmed by Captain Don Benito Cereno. As Delano provides aid, he becomes increasingly aware of the unsettling dynamics aboard the ship, where Cereno is revealed to be a prisoner of his own slaves, forced to witness horrific acts against his crew. Cereno's mental state deteriorates as he grapples with the trauma of his captivity and the atrocities committed around him.
Babo, a key figure among the enslaved individuals, masquerades as Cereno’s loyal servant while manipulating the situation to maintain control over the captain and deceive Delano. The story also introduces Don Alexandro Aranda, the ship's cargo owner, who meets a tragic fate at the hands of the mutinous slaves. The character dynamics in "Benito Cereno" challenge readers to consider the moral complexities associated with slavery, authority, and resistance, making it a poignant examination of human nature and societal structures.
Benito Cereno: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Herman Melville
First published: 1855, serial; collected in The Piazza Tales, 1856
Genre: Novella
Locale: the harbor of St. Maria, off the coast of Chile, and Lima, Peru
Plot: Adventure
Time: 1799
Amasa Delano (ah-MAH-soh deh-LAH-noh), an American sea captain. Off the coast of Chile, he sees a ship in distress and sets out with food and water for its company. He finds a Spanish merchantman carrying slaves. Ship and crew are in deplorable condition, and their captain suffers from what appear to be severe mental disorders. A series of strange and sinister events lead Captain Delano to the knowledge that the Spanish captain is a prisoner of the slaves. He is able to rescue the captive and take him ashore.
Don Benito Cereno (beh-NEE-toh seh-REH-noh), the captain of a Spanish slave ship. His human cargo mutinies and makes him a prisoner, forced to witness atrocities on and murders of the Spanish crew. After his rescue by Captain Delano, he gives testimony concerning the mutiny and dies broken in mind and spirit.
Babo (BAH-boh), a slave. He poses as the devoted servant of Captain Cereno and attempts to deceive Captain Delano concerning Cereno's true condition. Failing in this attempt, he is captured and hanged on Captain Cereno's testimony.
Don Alexandro Aranda (ah-RAHN-dah), owner of the cargo of the Spanish slave ship. He is killed and mutilated by the slaves.
Raneds (RRAH-nehds), the slave ship's mate, murdered by the slaves.