Bertrand, Innocene: The Benifit of the Doubt

In both texts, The Encantadas and Benito Cereno by Herman Melville, there is a focus on the American belief of a good man. Melville discusses through his texts the consequences of one trusting a person at first contact. In "The Ecantadas" Melville contrasts the idea of an island, to the reality of The Galapagos Islands; which are uninhabitable and bleak. There is a comparison of reality versus an idea. When one thinks of an island, automatically, one typically imagines paradise: greenery, turquoise oceans, etc. What Melville is trying to describe is reality; there is no innocence in the world. The island was littered with rusted swords and the landscape was rocky; virtually uninhabitable. In "The Encantadas" Melville displays the stratification between the idea of innocence and the reality.

In Melville's, Benito Cereno, Captain Delano's refusal to accept the reality of the world almost leads to his own and Benito Cereno's death. Delano's complacency in ignoring the warning signs of mutiny cause these events. For Melville, Delano is a prime example of the American way of thought; giving all the benefit of the doubt or suppressing instincts. This is a cometary on the overall innocence of America during this time period, being that it was a young country. It is also a commentary on the way a new country should act; with suspicion towards all or one will be taken advantage of.

Both of Melville's works are social commentaries as well as an educational guides for a fairly new nation. Melville wants all to focus on the fact that there is no innocence left in the world. He conveys this idea not only though his ominous setting descriptions but also through his character interactions; the subtle body language as well and speech. Melville wants the American nation to realize that there is no innocence left in the world and to always be on guard for an attack or a mutiny.