Bartleby Symbolism
Death is defined as, the termination or extinction of something. Edgar Allen Poe uses symbolism in "The Fall of the House of Usher" in different ways. Poe's intention when writing "The Fall of the House of Usher" was not to present a moral, lesson, or truth to the reader; he was simply trying to bring forth a sense of terror to the reader. Poe's mind works this way, and critics believe this statement, especially when related to this story. Poe is grouped with other writers in the Romantic period. Writers of this period focused on life, emotions, and the existence of the human race. Although Poe's work has many characteristics of Romanticism, "The Fall of the House of Usher", falls into the Gothic category. It is usually admired for its 'atmosphere' and for its exquisitely artificial manipulation of Gothic claptrap and decor. Bringing forth the symbolism of death is a major part of this writing. All of the characters in "The Fall of the House of Usher" are linked to death, by physical objects or by other people. There are no symbols of absolute good. The physical aspect of the House of Usher symbolizes death, in the chain of events, during the story. Even Poe
Ultimately, every aspect of Bartleby's life further expounds upon the motif of solitude. However, he chose to, he chose to further isolate himself by his own self-will and accordingly it led to his death. Consequently, Bartleby after having alienated himself so fully was then left to his own devices. He continued to breathe, he continued to exist, but he was no longer of any use to society. His only response soon became "I would prefer not to," which shows his lack of involvement and in turn his decision not to interact in society, for he gave up what little life he still had. Throughout the story, Poe's symbolism of the house and the inanimate objects inside serve to give a supernatural atmosphere to the story. " This is the key to Bartleby, written by Herman Melville, for it indicates that Bartleby stands as a symbol for humanity. However, by doing so Bartleby is attempting to exercise his freewill, for he would "prefer not to" work. However, this attempt to exercise his freewill and break loose from the confines of typical societal functions, isolates Bartleby from society, which in turn places him in a state of depression and soon there after, death. This story demonstrates that life if not lived is useless, as in the case of Bartleby, who wastes his away "preferring not to. However, these consequences as displayed by Melville, comment upon the impact that the work force can have upon mankind. " Although, from the beginning he was isolated behind the green folding screen with nothing but a wall to stare out, he did not have to give up his humanity. The supernatural element serves to make Poe's The Fall of the House of Usher interesting and suspenseful in his treatment of the house's effect on its occupants. "Since he will not quit me, I must quit him.
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