The Tragic End of Bartleby: A Deep Dive into Melville’s Enigmatic Scrivener
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In Herman Melville’s haunting short story, “Bartleby, the Scrivener,” the titular character’s fate is marked by a descent into profound isolation and a refusal to engage with the world around him. What happens to Bartleby in the end? The story culminates in Bartleby’s death by starvation in prison. After being removed from his employment at the lawyer’s office for refusing to perform his duties, he is arrested for vagrancy and placed in the city jail, referred to as “The Tombs.” There, he continues his pattern of passive resistance, choosing not to eat and ultimately succumbing to his self-imposed starvation. His death is a stark and unsettling conclusion, leaving both the narrator and the reader grappling with the inscrutable nature of Bartleby’s motives and the broader implications of his tragic end.
Bartleby’s Final Act of Passive Resistance
Bartleby’s death in prison is not a sudden event but the culmination of a series of rejections. His famous phrase, “I would prefer not to,” starts as a simple refusal to perform tasks at the law office but evolves into a comprehensive rejection of social norms and finally, life itself. In “The Tombs,” he is offered food, a basic necessity for survival, yet he steadfastly refuses. This ultimate act of passive resistance underscores the depth of Bartleby’s withdrawal from the world. He is not engaging in active rebellion; instead, he is asserting his individuality by not participating, even when it means his own demise.
The Narrator’s Reaction
The lawyer, who serves as the narrator of the story, is both fascinated and frustrated by Bartleby’s behavior throughout. His reaction to Bartleby’s death is one of stunned incomprehension mixed with a profound sense of loss and guilt. The narrator returns to the prison hoping to reach Bartleby and is met with the grim reality of his death, reinforcing the futility of his efforts to understand and help the scrivener. The narrator’s concluding reflection, “Ah, Bartleby! Ah, humanity!”, conveys a deep sense of mourning and a recognition of the human capacity for both profound isolation and profound mystery. The final lines suggest a universal truth about human experience and suffering, suggesting that Bartleby’s plight is not an isolated case but a reflection of broader societal and existential anxieties.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Bartleby’s Fate
1. Why does Bartleby refuse to eat?
Bartleby’s refusal to eat is a continuation of his broader pattern of resistance. It’s not a mere act of defiance but a final expression of his preference to not participate in life. Some interpretations view it as a rejection of the capitalist system, where consumption and work are intertwined, while others see it as a manifestation of a deeper existential despair or mental distress.
2. What is the significance of Bartleby dying in “The Tombs”?
“The Tombs,” a colloquial name for the city jail, serves as a powerful symbol of societal confinement. It represents the ultimate consequence of Bartleby’s nonconformity, highlighting how society is quick to label and isolate those who do not fit into established norms. Bartleby’s death within its walls underscores his complete alienation from mainstream society.
3. Is the narrator responsible for Bartleby’s death?
While the narrator certainly did not intend for Bartleby to die, his decision to abandon the scrivener after his refusal to leave the office directly contributed to Bartleby’s arrest and subsequent imprisonment. This raises questions about the responsibility we have to those who are different, or in need, even when their behavior is perplexing. The narrator’s guilt and inability to understand Bartleby’s plight highlight his own limitations and societal shortcomings.
4. What is the significance of the ending of “Bartleby, the Scrivener”?
The ending challenges the reader to confront the limits of understanding and the complexities of human behavior. It questions whether certain forms of behavior are a result of personal choice, mental illness, or societal pressure. The ending’s ambiguity prevents a simple, moralistic interpretation and instead, encourages a deeper reflection on human existence, isolation, and the failure of empathy.
5. What is the meaning of the narrator’s last line, “Ah, Bartleby! Ah, humanity!”?
This final lament is an expression of the narrator’s grief, but it also expands the scope of the narrative. It acknowledges Bartleby’s individuality while simultaneously suggesting that his experience reflects a larger, more universal human condition characterized by alienation and suffering. It is a somber realization that Bartleby’s isolation is not unique but a reflection of shared human experiences.
6. How does the motif of walls contribute to Bartleby’s fate?
Walls are a recurring symbol of isolation in “Bartleby.” The walls in the lawyer’s office separate Bartleby from his colleagues and the world outside, and the walls of “The Tombs” finally enclose him, physically and metaphorically. The walls amplify Bartleby’s sense of estrangement and his complete disconnect from the world, further emphasizing his tragic isolation.
7. Did Bartleby suffer from a mental illness?
While the story doesn’t diagnose Bartleby, some interpretations suggest that he may be suffering from a mental illness, such as depression or possibly a condition that might be seen on the autism spectrum today. His consistent withdrawal, refusal to engage, and repetitive use of “I would prefer not to” are presented as symptoms of a deeper, internal struggle.
8. What role does Bartleby’s previous job at the Dead Letter Office play?
The narrator learns a rumor that Bartleby previously worked in the Dead Letter Office. This revelation connects Bartleby to unfulfilled communications and the idea of discarded messages. The dead letters come to represent Bartleby’s own life, suggesting he had become a “dead letter” himself—a person whose life and potential have become lost or unfulfilled. This adds another layer to the analysis of his tragic existence.
9. Is Bartleby a villain?
Bartleby is not a villain in the traditional sense. He does not actively harm anyone. Instead, he is a figure of passive resistance, using his non-compliance as a form of protest. He challenges societal expectations without resorting to violence or aggression, making him an enigmatic and unconventional anti-hero rather than a villain.
10. What is the allegory in “Bartleby, the Scrivener”?
Some interpretations see “Bartleby” as an allegory about the limitations of human communication, the struggles of individuality in the face of conformity, and the dehumanizing effects of capitalism. Bartleby’s resistance can be viewed as an allegory for resisting societal norms and the difficulties faced by those who cannot or will not conform.
11. How does “Bartleby” comment on the nature of work and capitalism?
“Bartleby” is often interpreted as a critique of the dehumanizing nature of work in a capitalist society. Bartleby’s refusal to engage in the work routine is seen as an implicit rejection of a system that prioritizes profit over individual well-being. His rejection of capitalist norms is further reflected in his refusal to consume food, a basic necessity and commodity.
12. What are the key themes in “Bartleby, the Scrivener”?
The primary themes include isolation, the difficulty of human connection, the limits of empathy, the power of passive resistance, and the alienation caused by work and societal expectations. These themes work together to present a portrait of a man adrift from the world and the broader struggles of humanity.
13. How does Melville use irony in “Bartleby”?
Situational irony is present in the fact that Bartleby’s passive resistance, which is meant to assert his autonomy, ultimately leads to his confinement and death. The lawyer, trying to help him, unknowingly places him in the hands of the law, highlighting the limitations of good intentions and the tragic consequences of non-conformity.
14. Why is “I would prefer not to” Bartleby’s most famous line?
This line embodies Bartleby’s passive resistance. It is not an outright refusal but a polite yet firm rejection, making it both enigmatic and powerful. The phrase’s repetitive use emphasizes the character’s strange and unsettling behavior and his fundamental withdrawal from engagement with the world around him.
15. Is Bartleby’s story a tale of despair or triumph?
Bartleby’s death is certainly tragic and evokes despair, but his resistance to societal pressures and the demands of conformity can also be seen as a form of triumph. He maintains his individuality until the end, even when it leads to his destruction. The story resists a simple interpretation, encouraging readers to grapple with the ambiguities of Bartleby’s life and death and what he signifies about the human condition.
In conclusion, Bartleby’s end is a somber and thought-provoking one. His death by starvation serves as a dramatic illustration of the consequences of extreme isolation and passive resistance. The story leaves readers with a lingering sense of unease and a deeper understanding of the complexities of human nature, the limits of empathy, and the enduring questions surrounding societal conformity and individual agency. His fate continues to resonate with readers as a profound statement about what it means to be human and the tragic potential for alienation and loss.