Bartleby Blog
Using the Billy Collins poem, discuss how its meaning helps us understand Bartleby and the philosophical values which dictate his actions (or lack thereof) in the short story. Your contributions/comments need to occur at least 24 hours apart—don’t post two times in a row. Each comment must not exceed 75 words – so be concise!
This poem was addressed to Bartleby to show that isolated individuals are mocked by society for their senseless actions. For example, the first stanza is in quotes because it's what outsiders of isolation commonly say. "Batten down" means a piece of wood covering up open spaces and when Collins says "some people refuse to batten down" he's referring to the isolated who don’t abide by societal norms by ice skating in extreme weather or becoming a bug (Metamorphosis).
Molly—I agree that there is a mocking aspect to the poem; however, the author himself does not seem to partake in this scorn. The opening lines are quoted to put distance between the author and the common belief of “we”. There is a disparity in tone of the first and last stanzas. The last stanza exudes a feel of reverence, and beauty, embodied in the very spiritual “great wind north”, and the innocent “knowing waves”—it celebrates the oddball isolationist.
I think Collins acknowledges that society is scornful of isolationists through the quotations but personally describes isolation as a somewhat worthy act by stating the final two lines. The tone shift occurs when the isolationist “rides the great wind north” (death) because like with Bartleby, the only outlet that gives one a sense of tranquility is escaping the harsh confines of the world. Therefore, Collins’ explanation may explain Bartleby’s behavior in that death is the only means any isolationist has to be completely free.
In the poem, the ones who are isolated are the ones who are working harder, longer, and stronger than those simply being "pushed backward an inch every twenty minute". That description of what the "norm" does portrays them negatively, as just taking the easy way out, and making slow progress even then. The ones who isolate themselves are the ones who make an effort. They are the ones "flapping [their] arms", and "[gathering] enough speed"--to be isolated is a conscious decision and focused effort; Bartleby deserves respect for it.
Though the outsiders certainly represent a sort of triumphant escape, I’m not sure that this can be identified as death. This poem is mostly metaphoric and metaphysical, and so those “that refused to batten down” win a clear moral and spiritual victory, accomplished through determination and the idealism of straight and “pointed” skates. However, this is free of the physical implications of the story, in which Bartleby seems to pay an ultimate and tragic price for moral victory.
Could the wind actually be isolationism? Isolationism, just like society, is overpowering and overtakes one’s life. Bartleby “preferred” not to act, but chose to isolate himself from society—he was called an “apparition”, and had no meaning to life. In the same way, the skater had no life other than slowly losing to the wind. When he applied effort, an “exchange” with “knowing waves” takes place, implying interaction is the victory, and not isolationism.
While the poem may be glorifying isolation, I think it is also important to note that its majority focuses on the trying imagery of the struggle to reach a peaceful state of isolation. As Tessa mentioned, it is not until the final stanzas that Collins reveals isolation to be rewarding, implying that although isolation may have an element of beauty, in order to attain this beauty one must stay determined, with “skates pointed” through the rough challenges that society will present.
I agree with Ryan. Escaping society comes at a costly price. Both Bartleby's death and the struggling skater yield only "knowing waves" as a reward. To me, Collins is portraying isolationist beliefs as foolish, but still comforting to those stubborn enough to consciously choose isolationism. It is a fruitless effort, until you catch up with peers. I'd like to ask what you think of that idea. Can one be isolationist and content being grouped with others? Paradoxical or not?
Zach—the harsh journey recounted in the poem: “you will then fall on your ass” may parallel Bartleby’s rough experience; meaning Bartleby behaves oddly because of society’s persistent disapproval. Therefore isolationists are the harder workers; trying to exist without interruption by society. Tyler—I think one can still be estranged when in company with others. Isolationists don’t want to be challenged about their lifestyle so as long as the company is compliant, being grouped together shouldn't interfere with one’s isolated existence.
I am intrigued by Tyler’s paradoxical question. Collins’ final stanza is ironic, if we are to interpret his subjects as being isolationists like Bartleby. There is a level of comfort and companionship conveyed in Collin’s lines, “exchange knowing waves”, that is disconcertingly absent in the plight of Bartleby, who’s dying moments are spent alone. I am, however, reminded of the apt ending of Bartleby’s tale, wherein his demise catalyzes understanding and sympathy in the protagonist: “Ah Bartleby! Ah Humanity” (19). Perhaps Bartleby and the protagonist will share “knowing waves”.
So if this comfort is absent in Bartleby's tale what does that imply about isolation? Why would this comfort be absent in Bartleby's actual tale, but present in a poem specifically addressed to him?
Maybe it is like a lesson to Bartleby: his demise could have been prevented had he fought through his stubbornness like the skater, almost, to interact with others and "exchange knowing waves". I'm not sure but to me, it would seem that in both stories the authors are suggesting that society is not the enemy, but should be embraced. The ice skater was the ideal, while Bartleby was the counterexample. He could have stopped his isolationism at any time, but instead continued his isolationism until his demise.
I don't agree with Katie's belief that the story seems to embrace society. The other scriveners are laughable caricatures; Bartleby, if pitiful, is at least enlightened. It is only through Bartleby’s actions that his boss seems to transcend the dull Wall Street reality. I agree with Tessa that the poem is more an embodiment of this transcendence (“humanity!”) than anything else. But it also brings about a strange inversion that puts Bartleby in an almost heroic position.
Nicole- I think that the poem conveys the idea that only a few choose to isolate themselves, but the will to make that extra effort towards isolationism is also what fuels the comfort of being alone. Loners go against the grain on purpose, and it's not about who is there, it's what they're doing that matters. True isolation is entirely mental, and it is the peace of mind in knowing they are in control which those "ice skating into a sixty mile an hour wind" take solace in.
This poem was addressed to Bartleby to show that isolated individuals are mocked by society for their senseless actions. For example, the first stanza is in quotes because it's what outsiders of isolation commonly say. "Batten down" means a piece of wood covering up open spaces and when Collins says "some people refuse to batten down" he's referring to the isolated who don’t abide by societal norms by ice skating in extreme weather or becoming a bug (Metamorphosis).
ReplyDeleteMolly—I agree that there is a mocking aspect to the poem; however, the author himself does not seem to partake in this scorn. The opening lines are quoted to put distance between the author and the common belief of “we”. There is a disparity in tone of the first and last stanzas. The last stanza exudes a feel of reverence, and beauty, embodied in the very spiritual “great wind north”, and the innocent “knowing waves”—it celebrates the oddball isolationist.
ReplyDeleteI think Collins acknowledges that society is scornful of isolationists through the quotations but personally describes isolation as a somewhat worthy act by stating the final two lines. The tone shift occurs when the isolationist “rides the great wind north” (death) because like with Bartleby, the only outlet that gives one a sense of tranquility is escaping the harsh confines of the world. Therefore, Collins’ explanation may explain Bartleby’s behavior in that death is the only means any isolationist has to be completely free.
ReplyDeleteIn the poem, the ones who are isolated are the ones who are working harder, longer, and stronger than those simply being "pushed backward an inch every twenty minute". That description of what the "norm" does portrays them negatively, as just taking the easy way out, and making slow progress even then. The ones who isolate themselves are the ones who make an effort. They are the ones "flapping [their] arms", and "[gathering] enough speed"--to be isolated is a conscious decision and focused effort; Bartleby deserves respect for it.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThough the outsiders certainly represent a sort of triumphant escape, I’m not sure that this can be identified as death. This poem is mostly metaphoric and metaphysical, and so those “that refused to batten down” win a clear moral and spiritual victory, accomplished through determination and the idealism of straight and “pointed” skates. However, this is free of the physical implications of the story, in which Bartleby seems to pay an ultimate and tragic price for moral victory.
ReplyDeleteCould the wind actually be isolationism? Isolationism, just like society, is overpowering and overtakes one’s life. Bartleby “preferred” not to act, but chose to isolate himself from society—he was called an “apparition”, and had no meaning to life. In the same way, the skater had no life other than slowly losing to the wind. When he applied effort, an “exchange” with “knowing waves” takes place, implying interaction is the victory, and not isolationism.
ReplyDeleteWhile the poem may be glorifying isolation, I think it is also important to note that its majority focuses on the trying imagery of the struggle to reach a peaceful state of isolation. As Tessa mentioned, it is not until the final stanzas that Collins reveals isolation to be rewarding, implying that although isolation may have an element of beauty, in order to attain this beauty one must stay determined, with “skates pointed” through the rough challenges that society will present.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Ryan. Escaping society comes at a costly price. Both Bartleby's death and the struggling skater yield only "knowing waves" as a reward. To me, Collins is portraying isolationist beliefs as foolish, but still comforting to those stubborn enough to consciously choose isolationism. It is a fruitless effort, until you catch up with peers. I'd like to ask what you think of that idea. Can one be isolationist and content being grouped with others? Paradoxical or not?
ReplyDeleteZach—the harsh journey recounted in the poem: “you will then fall on your ass” may parallel Bartleby’s rough experience; meaning Bartleby behaves oddly because of society’s persistent disapproval. Therefore isolationists are the harder workers; trying to exist without interruption by society. Tyler—I think one can still be estranged when in company with others. Isolationists don’t want to be challenged about their lifestyle so as long as the company is compliant, being grouped together shouldn't interfere with one’s isolated existence.
ReplyDeleteI am intrigued by Tyler’s paradoxical question. Collins’ final stanza is ironic, if we are to interpret his subjects as being isolationists like Bartleby. There is a level of comfort and companionship conveyed in Collin’s lines, “exchange knowing waves”, that is disconcertingly absent in the plight of Bartleby, who’s dying moments are spent alone. I am, however, reminded of the apt ending of Bartleby’s tale, wherein his demise catalyzes understanding and sympathy in the protagonist: “Ah Bartleby! Ah Humanity” (19). Perhaps Bartleby and the protagonist will share “knowing waves”.
ReplyDeleteSo if this comfort is absent in Bartleby's tale what does that imply about isolation? Why would this comfort be absent in Bartleby's actual tale, but present in a poem specifically addressed to him?
ReplyDeleteMaybe it is like a lesson to Bartleby: his demise could have been prevented had he fought through his stubbornness like the skater, almost, to interact with others and "exchange knowing waves". I'm not sure but to me, it would seem that in both stories the authors are suggesting that society is not the enemy, but should be embraced. The ice skater was the ideal, while Bartleby was the counterexample. He could have stopped his isolationism at any time, but instead continued his isolationism until his demise.
ReplyDeleteI don't agree with Katie's belief that the story seems to embrace society. The other scriveners are laughable caricatures; Bartleby, if pitiful, is at least enlightened. It is only through Bartleby’s actions that his boss seems to transcend the dull Wall Street reality. I agree with Tessa that the poem is more an embodiment of this transcendence (“humanity!”) than anything else. But it also brings about a strange inversion that puts Bartleby in an almost heroic position.
ReplyDeleteNicole- I think that the poem conveys the idea that only a few choose to isolate themselves, but the will to make that extra effort towards isolationism is also what fuels the comfort of being alone. Loners go against the grain on purpose, and it's not about who is there, it's what they're doing that matters. True isolation is entirely mental, and it is the peace of mind in knowing they are in control which those "ice skating into a sixty mile an hour wind" take solace in.
ReplyDelete