The novella Benito Cereno has been a topic of controversy amongst several critics. In their perspectives, some differ and others coincide on themes in Benito Cereno. The theme that we are concerned with is if violence, even if it was for a worthy cause, was justified in Benito Cereno. Violence, as depicted by these analysts was used as a median to control slaves and alternate subordination in the story. Several critics, such as Joseph Schiffman, …showed first 75 words of 1188 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1188 total…main events brought about. Swann concurs with Schiffman by relating the environmental effects that were brought about on the slaves, which Schiffman implemented to justify Babo's violent nature. The violence in Benito Cereno is illustrated in different scenes. It is shown in a physical, as well as in a psychological way by these critics. The justification of it in "Benito Cereno" is argued amongst them, with each one having a unique argument for their position.