There are several ways a leader has authority (here meaning one who gives the orders that everyone obeys by). There’s Divine Right, or birth right, where one is born into their authoritative role. Yet one can also gain authority though the use of fear and elicit punishment. In Melville’s story, we see both types of authoritative figures exemplified in Benito Cerano, sea captain of the Bachelor’s Delight, and Babo, a former slave. Where authority is simply given to Cerano, for some, like Babo, authority is the only way to survive.  

Babo true identity is first shown when Cerano asks Delano about his ship. As Cerano asks about what supplies and how many deckhands the Bachelor’s Delight has, Babo pays unexpected attention to Delano’s replies. Afterwards, as Cerano and Babo quietly converse, Delano comments that Cerano must have high trust in Babo. Babo immediately glows at the praise, while Cerano seems to stumble at the thought, before quickly correcting himself and reluctantly agreeing (209). Babo’s power is again demonstrated when giving Cerano a shave. Upon Delano’s asking how a few days voyage for him took Cerano’s team over two months, Babo cuts Cerano’s skin; “See master- you shook so- here’s Babo’s first blood,” (215). Even though Delano takes Babo’s comment literally, Babo is actually threatening Cerano, referring to Cerano’s mistake as shaking and reminding Cerano there are punishments for costly mistakes.  

By hiding under his cover as a servant, Babo is able to remain as the authoritative figure, and therefore, more importantly, live. However, as soon as true identity is revealed, he is stripped of any power. In fact, he true identity is regarded as so important by the superior race that, by the time of his trial, Babo doesn’t even get the chance to give his testimony in court before he is sentenced the death penalty. Was Babo’s behavior was acceptable since it was literally his life line? It is evident that unlike Cerano and Delano, Babo earned his way to the top. However, yet the reader can’t help questioning if Babo’s actions were necessary to survive. The story leaves it readers questioning whether the cost of someone else’s life is just able for one’s personal life.