What Happens to Bartleby in the End?
The ending of Herman Melville’s short story "Bartleby, the Scrivener" is a subject of much debate and interpretation. The story follows the life of Bartleby, a young man who becomes a scrivener, or a copyist, in a law firm in New York City. As the story progresses, Bartleby’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic and withdrawn, leading to a tragic conclusion.
Bartleby’s Death
The most significant event in the story is Bartleby’s death. After being fired from his job and unable to find new employment, Bartleby becomes increasingly isolated and withdrawn. He refuses to eat or drink, and eventually dies of starvation in his prison cell.
The Significance of Bartleby’s Death
Bartleby’s death is significant because it highlights the themes of isolation and the failure of communication. Bartleby’s refusal to eat or drink is a symbol of his complete withdrawal from society, and his death is a result of his inability to connect with others. The story suggests that when individuals become isolated and disconnected from society, they are unable to survive.
The Narrator’s Responsibility
The narrator of the story, a lawyer, is also responsible for Bartleby’s death. The lawyer is portrayed as a somewhat detached and unsympathetic character, who is more concerned with his own interests than with Bartleby’s well-being. The lawyer’s decision to abandon Bartleby at the Wall Street office, rather than trying to help him, contributes to Bartleby’s downfall.
The Failure of Communication
The story also highlights the failure of communication as a major theme. Bartleby’s refusal to speak or communicate with others is a symbol of his inability to connect with society. The lawyer’s attempts to communicate with Bartleby are unsuccessful, and the two men are unable to understand each other.
The Impact of Bartleby’s Death
Bartleby’s death has a significant impact on the narrator and the other characters in the story. The narrator is left feeling guilty and regretful, and the other characters are left to wonder what could have been done to prevent Bartleby’s death.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bartleby’s death is a significant event in the story, highlighting the themes of isolation and the failure of communication. The narrator’s responsibility for Bartleby’s death is also a major theme, and the story suggests that when individuals become isolated and disconnected from society, they are unable to survive.
Table: Bartleby’s Behavior
| Behavior | Description |
|---|---|
| Refusal to eat or drink | Bartleby refuses to eat or drink, leading to his eventual death. |
| Withdrawal from society | Bartleby becomes increasingly isolated and withdrawn, unable to connect with others. |
| Refusal to communicate | Bartleby refuses to speak or communicate with others, highlighting the failure of communication. |
Bullets: Key Points
• Bartleby’s death is a result of his complete withdrawal from society.
• The narrator’s responsibility for Bartleby’s death is a major theme.
• The story highlights the failure of communication as a major theme.
• Bartleby’s behavior is a symbol of his inability to connect with society.
• The story suggests that when individuals become isolated and disconnected from society, they are unable to survive.