'For Bartleby The Scrivener' by Billy Collins
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"Every time we get a big gale around here
some people just refuse to batten down."
we estimate that
ice skating into a sixty
mile an hour wind, fully exerting
the legs and swinging arms
you will be pushed backward
an inch every twenty minutes.
in a few days, depending on
the size of the lake,
the backs of your skates
will touch land.
you will then fall on your ass
and be blown into the forest.
if you gather enough speed
by flapping your arms
and keeping your skates pointed
you will catch up to other
flying people who refused to batten down.
you will exchange knowing waves
as you ride the great wind north.
Editor 1 Interpretation
For Bartleby The Scrivener: A Critical Analysis
Oh, how I love Billy Collins! And when he wrote this poem about the enigmatic character of Bartleby, I knew I had to delve deep into it. For those who are not familiar with the story, Bartleby is a scrivener who is employed by a lawyer to copy legal documents. However, Bartleby's personality is mysterious, and he refuses to do anything that does not suit his liking. The lawyer becomes increasingly intrigued by his employee and eventually finds himself drawn into the strange world of Bartleby.
Themes
One of the primary themes of the poem is the idea of isolation, which is a significant motif throughout the story. The lawyer describes Bartleby as being "pallidly neat, pitiably respectful, incurably forlorn." Bartleby's existence is fundamentally lonely, and he seems to be cut off from the rest of the world. Even when he is surrounded by people, Bartleby remains disconnected and aloof, creating a sense of melancholy in the poem.
Another theme that emerges from the poem is the idea of power and control. Bartleby exercises an unusual amount of control over the people in his life, including the lawyer who employs him. By refusing to do his work or to conform to society's expectations, Bartleby exerts a kind of power over those around him, which is both fascinating and unsettling.
Analysis
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of language. Collins's language is simple and direct, yet also very precise. He uses words like "pallid," "respectful," and "forlorn" to create a vivid portrait of Bartleby's character. The language is also very evocative, creating a sense of melancholy and isolation throughout the poem.
Another key element of the poem is its structure. Collins uses short, simple lines to create a sense of urgency and immediacy. The poem is broken up into several stanzas, with each one focusing on a different aspect of Bartleby's character or his relationship with the lawyer. This structure helps to create a sense of tension and drama, which keeps the reader engaged throughout the poem.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the poem is the way in which Collins portrays Bartleby's character. Bartleby is a mysterious figure, and the reader is left to wonder about his motivations and his past. He seems to be a man who is cut off from the world, and he is content to remain that way. His refusal to do his work is a manifestation of his desire to remain detached from society, and this is both fascinating and unsettling.
Interpretation
The poem can be read in a number of different ways, and there is no single "correct" interpretation. One possible interpretation is that the poem is a commentary on the isolation and loneliness that can come with modern life. Bartleby represents a kind of extreme version of this phenomenon, and his refusal to engage with society is a reflection of the kind of alienation that many people feel in today's world.
Another possible interpretation is that the poem is a commentary on the nature of power and control. Bartleby's refusal to do his work is a manifestation of his desire to exert control over his own life, and this is something that many people can relate to. The poem raises questions about the nature of power, and whether it is possible to exert control over one's own life without also exerting control over others.
Conclusion
For Bartleby The Scrivener is a fascinating poem that explores a number of different themes and ideas. Collins's use of language is simple and direct, yet also very evocative, creating a sense of melancholy and isolation throughout the poem. The structure of the poem creates a sense of tension and drama, which keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end. Ultimately, the poem raises important questions about the nature of power, control, and the human experience of isolation and loneliness.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
For Bartleby The Scrivener: A Poem Analysis
Billy Collins’ poem, For Bartleby The Scrivener, is a masterpiece that captures the essence of the famous short story by Herman Melville. The poem is a tribute to the character of Bartleby, a scrivener who worked in a law office and refused to do any work, leading to his eventual demise. Collins’ poem is a beautiful and poignant reflection on the themes of isolation, alienation, and the human condition.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing Bartleby directly, saying “I would like to say that you were a man of few words.” This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a reflection on Bartleby’s character and his refusal to engage with the world around him. The speaker goes on to describe Bartleby’s behavior in the law office, saying “you preferred to stare at the wall / rather than copy legal documents.”
This behavior is what sets Bartleby apart from the other characters in the story, and it is what makes him such a fascinating and enigmatic figure. The poem captures the sense of isolation and alienation that Bartleby must have felt, as he withdrew from the world around him and refused to engage with it. The speaker describes Bartleby’s behavior as “a kind of rebellion / against the world of commerce and law.”
This rebellion is what makes Bartleby such an interesting character, and it is what makes the poem so powerful. The speaker goes on to describe Bartleby’s eventual demise, saying “you died in prison, / a place where you could finally be alone.” This line captures the sense of tragedy that surrounds Bartleby’s story, as he is ultimately destroyed by the very society that he refused to engage with.
The poem ends with the speaker reflecting on Bartleby’s legacy, saying “you have become a symbol / of the human condition.” This line is a powerful statement about the nature of humanity, and it speaks to the universal themes that are present in Bartleby’s story. The poem is a tribute to the character of Bartleby, but it is also a reflection on the human experience, and the ways in which we all struggle to find our place in the world.
Overall, For Bartleby The Scrivener is a beautiful and poignant poem that captures the essence of Herman Melville’s classic short story. The poem is a tribute to the character of Bartleby, but it is also a reflection on the human experience, and the ways in which we all struggle to find our place in the world. Billy Collins’ writing is powerful and evocative, and it captures the sense of isolation and alienation that Bartleby must have felt. This is a poem that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it, and it is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of the human experience.
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