Application of 'Art of War' to Benito Cereno by Herman Melville

Through his thirteen chapters in the Art of War, Sun Tzu provides a blueprint for successful conquest applicable to any leader in metaphorically any field. Although Sun Tzu’s Art of War primarily addresses the context of an actual battlefield, life presents several “battlefields” that individuals must navigate as leaders. One such parallel can be found in Herman Melville’s short story, “Benito Cereno.” From Captain Delano’s perspective, Babo appears to be a helpful, obedient slave. While the audience can discern Babo's intelligence and ruthlessness, the short story does not immediately reveal his other qualities: manipulative, evil, yet strategic. He is critically aware and socially responsible, particularly toward the slaves on the San Dominick. Babo effectively utilizes the Art of War by carefully varying his tactics, mapping out his plans, breaking down large tasks into smaller ones, and attacking with precision.

Applying 'The Art of War' to Herman Melville's 'Benito Cereno'

Babo’s leadership was instrumental in orchestrating the slave revolt. Having served in the Spanish colonies for several years, he meticulously planned his uprising. His effectiveness as a leader and social competence are specifically tested when Captain Delano boards the slave vessel. Delano observes the decrepit state of the San Dominick and decides to investigate. Babo subverts racial politics by embodying racial stereotypes that portray blacks as obedient yet unintelligent beings. He feigns servitude to Cereno and successfully provides a false explanation for the San Dominick's battered appearance. Babo’s objective is to present himself as a humble and congenial assistant, more companion than servant. His performance as Cereno's servant is so convincing that Delano repeatedly admires him for his loyalty to his master. This underscores Babo’s strategic acumen; he understands that he must instill fear in the sailors to prevent rebellion while deceiving Delano into believing he is a compliant servant. For instance, during the shaving scene, Babo accidentally cuts Cereno’s cheeks with a razor (Melville, 1855, p. 39). This moment illustrates the underlying tension between the two characters, as Babo could have easily inflicted harm elsewhere on Cereno’s face. In this scenario, Babo appears weak but is actually strong, cutting himself to maintain the illusion of servitude. To Captain Delano, Babo seems merely a servant assisting his master. This aligns with Chapter 8: Variation of Tactics, where Tzu states:

“The art of war teaches us to rely not on the likelihood of the enemy’s not coming, but on our own readiness to receive him; not on the chance of his attacking, but rather on the fact that we have made our position unassailable.” (Tzu, n.d.)

Tzu explains that adaptability is crucial in any situation. While creativity is essential in responding to unique circumstances, the response must be informed. Babo did not anticipate encountering Captain Delano but nearly deceived him with his quick thinking and strategic improvisation.

Strategic Planning and Laying Plans

Executing a successful slave revolt demands strategic planning. At the story’s conclusion, Delano prepares to lower a small boat into the water to return to his ship. Cereno unexpectedly leaps into the boat, followed by Babo attempting to stab him. As the boat distances itself from the San Dominick, a canvas falls from the figurehead, revealing a skeleton with the inscription “Seguid vuestro jefe,” meaning “Follow Your Leader.” This moment reveals to the readers that Cereno is not the leader; Babo is. The narrative uncovers that the ship experienced a slave revolt led by Babo and Atufal. Benito was supposed to steer towards Senegal, but Captain Delano encountered them en route. Babo coerced Benito into maintaining the facade of normalcy, portraying Babo as his slave. Babo not only deceives Delano but also the readers. This strategic planning parallels Sun Tzu’s Art of War: Laying Plans. Strategic planning is vital in any domain; without a strong foundation, a structure collapses. A concise plan is essential to prevent a leader from losing control of a situation.

Breaking Big Tasks into Smaller Ones

The aforementioned scenario also aligns with Sun Tzu’s principle of “Breaking big tasks into smaller ones.” At the outset, when Delano boards the ship, Babo could have killed him outright. However, he refrains, instructing his men to play their parts to avoid arousing suspicion. According to Sun Tzu, grouping a few hundred or even thousand men and treating them as one entity simplifies control. By directing groups rather than individuals, large tasks become more manageable. Although killing Delano might have seemed overwhelming initially, Babo persisted by planning strategically rather than impulsively.

Attacking with Fire

After placing Alexandro Aranda’s skeleton on the ship, Babo warns the Spaniards against rebellion, threatening them with a similar fate. Cereno and the sailors are menaced with death if they reveal anything. However, when Delano returns to his ship, Benito Cereno desperately leaps into Delano's vessel. His dash for freedom is quickly pursued by Babo’s dagger, attempting to kill Cereno for “betraying” him. This represents Sun Tzu’s chapter: Attacking with Fire. Sun Tzu states:

“Fire attacks are the framework for discussing both using and surviving moves aimed at the destruction of an opponent.” (Tzu, n.d.)

Although Tzu advises against this method, Babo feels compelled to eliminate Cereno. Sun Tzu’s Art of War transcends literal battlefields, applying to non-violent contexts as well. For example, the marketplace is often referred to as the “business battlefield.” Successful businesses apply tactics from the Art of War to outmaneuver competitors. Tzu advises that rather than competing where a rival is superior, one should first conduct research, identify areas where they can excel, and focus on those strengths. This approach is exemplified in the Foundations of Management and Entrepreneurship (FME) Class. A video showcased the invention of iSlide, customizable slide sandals. The company faced competition from top brands like Adidas and Nike. However, instead of fixating on brand reputation, iSlide emphasized the customizable feature absent in major brands. This focus on versatility and creativity appealed to their target market, contributing to iSlide’s success.

Conclusion

“Seguid vuestro jefe” (“Follow your leader”) emerges as the overarching theme of Benito Cereno. Initially, Cereno appears to be the leader. To Delano, Cereno commands the ship, and the slaves seem obedient. Babo appears to be a compliant servant. However, the narrative reveals Babo as the true leader, orchestrating the slave revolt. At the novella’s conclusion, Babo meets his fate:

“Some months after, dragged to the gibbet at the tail of a mule, the black met his voiceless end. The body was burned to ashes; but for many days, the head, that hive of subtlety, fixed on a pole in the Plaza, met, unabashed, the gaze of the whites.” (Melville, 1855, p. 75)

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Ultimately, one might argue that Cereno even follows his leader into death. Whether in Benito Cereno or the business world, Sun Tzu’s Art of War provides universal advice applicable to virtually any context.

References

• Melville, H. (1855). Benito Cereno. In The Piazza Tales. Dix & Edwards.
• Sun Tzu. (n.d.). The Art of War. Translated by Lionel Giles.