Rutgers University
19th Century Literature
Prof. Bland
Typical American Character
“Benito Cereno” is a work that exceedingly depicts how ideological self-delusion of an American character is one of the most dangerous capacities of mankind. Captain Delano a Yankee from “Duxbury Massachusetts” exemplifies these two American cultures of concerning nature and confidence. As Americans we have concerned and helped other less fortunate (i.e. the amount we donate to help third world countries), we are also confident and fearless in nature that we can accomplish anything (i.e. American dream). These traditional American characteristics I believe forms the American arrogance that we are stereotyped to have. We maybe helping others we have no business helping. Just like the American culture Delano truly believes he is doing the right thing, by showing concern and having confidence in being able to help the San Dominick slave-ship and he is incapable of seeing the horrifying consequences of his actions both with respect to his “friendly racism” and his fantasy of “superiority”. He spends a day on the San Dominick following a slave mutiny, never quite aware that anything is wrong until the truth all but bites his head off. Delano subscribes to a typical "Northern" view of African slaves: he considers them to be naturally good-natured, submissive servants. He spends much of his time aboard the San Dominick condescendingly admiring Babo's performance. Melville critiques this naiveté arrogance of superiority and friendly racism to which although these characteristic are positive if not careful, can be a barrier that blinds a person from seeing the actual situation.
"None wore fetters, because the owner, his friend Aranda, told him that they were all tractable" (BC 224) As Delano first boards Benito's ship, the slaves are still unfettered. "The ship seems unreal; these strange