April 8, 2024 - English Studies

“Give Me Your Hand” by Gabriela Mistral: A Critical Analysis

“Give Me Your Hand” by Gabriela Mistral was first published in 1922 in her groundbreaking collection, Desolación.

Introduction: “Give Me Your Hand” by Gabriela Mistral

“Give Me Your Hand” by Gabriela Mistral was first published in 1922 in her groundbreaking collection, Desolación. This poem embodies the key themes of Mistral’s work: yearning for connection, a deep empathy for the vulnerable, and the beauty found in simple, natural imagery. Mistral uses a childlike tone to emphasize the purity of the speaker’s desire for love and joyful companionship. The poem’s repetitive structure creates a song-like rhythm, and its imagery – flowers, dancing, grass – speaks to a longing for both human connection and harmony with the natural world.

Text: “Give Me Your Hand” by Gabriela Mistral

Give me your hand and give me your love,
give me your hand and dance with me.
A single flower, and nothing more,
a single flower is all we’ll be.

Keeping time in the dance together,
singing the tune together with me,
grass in the wind, and nothing more,
grass in the wind is all we’ll be.

I’m called Hope and you’re called Rose:
but losing our names we’ll both go free,
a dance on the hills, and nothing more,
a dance on the hills is all we’ll be.

Annotations: “Give Me Your Hand” by Gabriela Mistral

Line	Annotation
Give me your hand and give me your love,	A plea for connection, both physical (hand) and emotional (love).
Give me your hand and dance with me.	An invitation to a shared experience, a dance symbolizing joy and unity.
A single flower, and nothing more,	A metaphor for the simplicity and fragility of their potential bond.
A single flower is all we’ll be.	A possible acknowledgment of the fleeting nature of love or connection.
Keeping time in the dance together,	Emphasizes the harmony and synchronization of their movement.
Singing the tune together with me,	Extends the connection to include shared voices and a common rhythm.
Grass in the wind, and nothing more,	Natural imagery to reinforce the transient, yet beautiful, nature of their bond.
Grass in the wind is all we’ll be.	A reiteration of the idea that their connection, though precious, may be temporary.
I’m called Hope and you’re called Rose:	Introduces personal names, yet also suggests symbolic identities.
But losing our names we’ll both go free,	They can transcend individual identities and become something more universal.
A dance on the hills, and nothing more,	The setting emphasizes elevation and expansiveness, a sense of freedom.
A dance on the hills is all we’ll be.	Final affirmation of existence solely in the moment of shared experience.

Key Themes:

Connection and Companionship: The speaker desires deep connection with another person.

Ephemerality: Acknowledges the potential fleetingness of love, beauty, and existence itself.
Transformation: The act of letting go of individual names symbolizes transcending personal identities into something more unified.
Joy in the Present: Importance of embracing the simple joy of shared experience, even if brief.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “Give Me Your Hand” by Gabriela Mistral

Literary/Poetic Device	Example from the Poem	Explanation
Allegory	Can be applied to the whole poem	The poem could be read as an allegory about the fleeting, beautiful nature of human connection and the importance of finding joy in the present.
Alliteration	“Grass in the wind…”	The repetition of the “g” and “w” sounds creates a soft, flowing effect.
Anaphora	“Give me your hand…”, “A single flower…”, “Grass in the wind…”, “A dance on the hills…”	The repeated phrases emphasize yearning and create rhythm and structure.
Enjambment	“…and dance with me. / A single flower…”	Lines flow into each other, creating a sense of continuity and reflecting the continuous movement of the dance.
Imagery	“A single flower…”, “grass in the wind”, “a dance on the hills”	Appeals to the senses, creating vivid mental pictures and adding depth.
Metaphor	“A single flower…is all we’ll be”	Compares the potential relationship to a flower, emphasizing delicacy and potential transience.
Metonymy	“Hope”, “Rose”	Uses names to stand in for larger symbolic concepts (hope for the future, the beauty of love).
Mood	Evokes a sense of tenderness, yearning, and a touch of melancholy.
Personification	“Keeping time in the dance together, / singing the tune together with me…”	Attributing human qualities to the dance/music emphasizes their shared experience.
Repetition	“…and nothing more”, “…is all we’ll be”	Emphasizes the central theme of a simple, perhaps fleeting connection.
Rhythm	Created through repetition and line length	Contributes to the poem’s musicality and dance-like feel.
Simile	“Keeping time in the dance together, / singing the tune together with me, / grass in the wind…”	Compares their unity to the natural, harmonious movement of grass in the wind.
Symbolism	“Flower”, “grass”, “dance”, “hills”	Represent beauty, fragility, shared joy, freedom, and the expansiveness of the present moment.
Synecdoche	“Give me your hand…”	Using a part (hand) to represent the whole (the person and their love).
Tone	Pleading, tender, with a hint of wistful acceptance.

Themes: “Give Me Your Hand” by Gabriela Mistral

1. The Desire for Deep Connection

Example: “Give me your hand and give me your love, / give me your hand and dance with me.”
Explanation: The poem opens with a direct plea for both physical touch and emotional intimacy. This longing for connection underscores the entire poem.

2. The Ephemerality of Beauty and Existence

Example: “A single flower, and nothing more, / a single flower is all we’ll be.”
Explanation: The imagery of the flower and the grass emphasizes the fragile, short-lived nature of beauty and potentially highlights the fleetingness of their bond.

3. Transcendence through Shared Experience

Example: “But losing our names we’ll both go free, / a dance on the hills, and nothing more”
Explanation: Letting go of individual identities (“Hope” and “Rose”) symbolizes moving beyond the limitations of the self into a more universal state of pure being, represented by the natural imagery of the dance on the hills.

4. Embracing the Present Moment

Example: The focus on the dance itself – keeping time, singing together
Explanation: Despite the undercurrent of impermanence, the poem celebrates the shared experience of the dance. Living fully in the moment becomes a way to embrace the joy and beauty of existence, however brief.

Literary Theories and “Give Me Your Hand” by Gabriela Mistral

Literary Theory	Approach	Example from the Poem	Potential Interpretation
Feminist	Focuses on gender representations, power dynamics, female experience	The speaker’s agency in inviting another into connection. The use of traditional feminine symbols (flower, Rose).	Exploration of female desire, potential subversion of gender roles, connection between women.
Formalist (New Criticism)	Close reading of the text, emphasis on form, language, and internal structure.	The poem’s use of repetition, imagery, rhythm, and its overall structure.	Analysis of how the form contributes to the poem’s meaning and emotional impact.
Biographical	Examines how the author’s life experiences might be reflected in the work.	Mistral’s own experiences with love, loss, and longing.	Links between the poem’s themes and potential events or emotions in the poet’s life.
Psychoanalytic	Unconscious desires, motivations, symbolism.	The dance as a symbol of intimacy or union. The focus on touch and hands could have deeper psychological significance.	Explore the poem as expressing subconscious wishes or fears around connection.
Reader-Response	Emphasizes the reader’s active role in constructing meaning.	Different readers may have varied interpretations of the ending and the poem’s overarching message.	Consider how individual experiences of love, loss, or joy may shape the reader’s understanding of the poem.

Critical Questions about “Give Me Your Hand” by Gabriela Mistral

Topic 1: The Nature of Connection

Critical Question: How does Mistral explore the longing for connection versus the acceptance of its potential transience?
Thesis Statement: In “Give Me Your Hand,” Gabriela Mistral creates a complex portrayal of human connection, highlighting the tension between a deep yearning for intimacy and the simultaneous recognition of its ephemeral nature.

Topic 2: Symbolism and Meaning

Critical Question: How do the symbols of nature (flower, grass, hills) contribute to the poem’s overall meaning?
Thesis Statement: Gabriela Mistral’s use of natural imagery in “Give Me Your Hand” reinforces the themes of impermanence and transcendence, emphasizing the beauty and significance of fleeting moments of connection within the vastness of existence.

Topic 3: Feminine Voice and Desire

Critical Question: Does the speaker’s direct expression of longing challenge traditional female roles within poetry?
Thesis Statement: “Give Me Your Hand” subverts expectations of passive female desire, with the speaker boldly asserting her longing for both physical and emotional connection, giving the poem a distinctly feminist undercurrent.

Topic 4: The Role of Form and Structure

Critical Question: How does the poem’s use of repetition, line lengths, and rhythm shape the reader’s experience?
Thesis Statement: Gabriela Mistral’s careful structuring of “Give Me Your Hand,” including the use of repetition and short evocative lines, enhances the poem’s themes by creating a feeling of both urgency and a dance-like rhythm.

Literary Works Similar to “Give Me Your Hand” by Gabriela Mistral

Poets of Latin American Modernism:

Mistral was part of this literary movement. Explore other poets from the same period like Delmira Agustini (Uruguay) and Alfonsina Storni (Argentina), known for their exploration of female desire, connection, and themes of impermanence.
Sonnet Traditions: While Mistral’s poem is not a formal sonnet, its exploration of love’s fleeting nature echoes poets like Edna St. Vincent Millay and Elizabeth Barrett Browning, whose sonnets grapple with similar themes.

Imagist Poets: The Imagist movement focused on precise, evocative language and often drew inspiration from nature. Poets like H.D. (Hilda Doolittle) share Mistral’s use of simple yet powerful natural imagery to illuminate emotional states.
Contemporary Voices: Seek out modern poets like Mary Oliver and Ada Limón, whose works explore the beauty and fragility of the natural world, reflecting on connection, loss, and the significance of the present moment.

Specific Connections to Consider:

Symbolism: Examine how other poets use similar natural symbols (flowers, grass, hills) to represent emotional states, beauty, and the passage of time.
Voice and Perspective: Look for poets who adopt a similarly direct and yearning voice, whether expressing a longing for connection, a fear of loss, or a bittersweet acceptance of impermanence.
Tone and Mood: Identify poems with a similar emotional atmosphere – tender, melancholic, yet still infused with a sense of appreciation for fleeting beauty and shared experiences.

“Bartleby, the Scrivener” by Herman Melville: A Critical Analysis

First published anonymously in 1853 in “Putnam’s Monthly Magazine,” “Bartleby, the Scrivener” by Herman Melville has become a cornerstone of American literature.

Introduction: “Bartleby, the Scrivener” by Herman Melville

First published anonymously in 1853 in “Putnam’s Monthly Magazine,” “Bartleby, the Scrivener” by Herman Melville has become a cornerstone of American literature. Despite initial mixed reviews, the story’s exploration of conformity, isolation, and the dehumanizing effects of capitalism has secured its place. The enigmatic Bartleby, with his stubborn refusal to conform, has become an iconic figure, inspiring countless interpretations and adaptations.

Main Events in “Bartleby, the Scrivener” by Herman Melville

A Lawyer in Need: A lawyer running a busy office needs extra help with a backlog of legal documents. He seeks reliable clerks to manage the workload.
Enter Bartleby, the Quiet Clerk: The lawyer interviews several candidates and settles on a seemingly unassuming man named Bartleby. Bartleby appears quiet and withdrawn but possesses a calm efficiency that impresses the lawyer.

A Model Employee (At First): Bartleby throws himself into the work, meticulously copying legal documents. His accuracy and dedication quickly clear a significant portion of the backlog, earning the initial approval of the lawyer.
The Uprising of “I Would Prefer Not To”: The lawyer, pleased with Bartleby’s performance, assigns him a new task that falls outside of copying. However, Bartleby delivers a now-famous response: “I would prefer not to.” Surprised and confused, the lawyer initially lets it slide due to Bartleby’s overall good work.
A Growing Eccentricity: Bartleby’s refusal to perform tasks beyond copying becomes a recurring theme. He politely but firmly repeats his “I would prefer not to” for any new assignment. His work becomes increasingly limited, causing tension in the office environment.

Frustration Among Colleagues: The other clerks, initially curious about Bartleby’s quiet demeanor, become increasingly frustrated by his eccentric behavior and refusal to participate in all aspects of the job.Reasoning with Resistance: The lawyer, concerned about Bartleby’s unusual behavior, attempts to reason with him. He expresses confusion and urges Bartleby to explain his objections. However, Bartleby remains resolute, offering no explanation for his passive resistance.
A Disrupted Workflow: Bartleby’s refusal to participate in essential tasks begins to negatively impact the office’s workflow. Deadlines are missed, and clients become frustrated by the delays.
Empathy Amidst Annoyance: Despite the disruption and annoyance Bartleby causes, the lawyer wrestles with a strange sense of empathy for him. He is drawn to Bartleby’s quiet defiance and struggles to understand the man behind the enigmatic phrase.

A Difficult Decision: The lawyer contemplates firing Bartleby due to the disruption he creates. However, a sense of compassion and an inability to fully grasp Bartleby’s motivations cause him to hesitate.
Moving On, Leaving Bartleby Behind: Unable to find a solution, the lawyer ultimately decides to relocate his office to escape the disruptions caused by Bartleby. This effectively leaves Bartleby behind in the old office space.
A Destitute Existence: The narrator (now revealed as the lawyer) continues to visit Bartleby after the office relocation. He finds Bartleby living in poverty on a park bench, clinging to his stoic existence.

A Solitary End: Bartleby’s passive resistance continues even in his destitute state. He eventually dies alone on the park bench, never revealing the reasons behind his enigmatic behavior.
Reflecting on a Mystery: The narrator reflects on Bartleby’s life and his own struggle to understand the man’s motivations. He ponders the meaning of Bartleby’s resistance and what it might represent.
A Lingering Question: The story concludes without providing a definitive answer to Bartleby’s enigmatic choices. His past and the reasons behind his passive resistance remain a lingering question mark for the narrator and the reader.

Literary Devices in “Bartleby, the Scrivener” by Herman Melville

Device	Explanation	Example
Allusion	Indirect reference to a historical or literary figure, place, or event.	The narrator’s musings on “handling” Bartleby might allude to the biblical story of Jesus calming the storm (representing the lawyer’s attempt to control the disruption Bartleby causes).
Characterization (Flat vs. Round)	Flat characters are one-dimensional with few personality traits, while round characters are more complex and multifaceted.	* Flat: The other clerks are portrayed as one-dimensional figures, mainly focused on their annoyance with Bartleby. * Round: Bartleby, despite his limited dialogue, is a complex character due to his enigmatic behavior and the narrator’s attempt to understand him.
First-Person Narration	The story is told from the perspective of the lawyer, offering a personal and subjective view of events.	“I have been told that some people habitually use the words ‘I would prefer not to’ in this way, implying a slow, lingering refusal, as much as to say, ‘I would very much rather not.'” (Narrator reflecting on Bartleby’s phrase)
Foreshadowing	Hints or clues are planted earlier in the story that suggest future events.	* Bartleby’s initial efficient work ethic might foreshadow his later refusal to perform certain tasks. * The lawyer’s initial surprise at Bartleby’s refusal might foreshadow the growing tension it creates.
Hyperbole	Exaggeration used for emphasis or comic effect.	“They were about to pull down the walls of the entire building, brick by brick” (Narrator’s exaggerated description of the disruption caused by Bartleby).
Irony (Dramatic vs. Situational)	* Dramatic irony: The reader knows something a character doesn’t. * Situational irony: A situation occurs that contradicts expectations or creates a humorous contrast.	* Dramatic irony: The reader understands the deeper meaning of Bartleby’s resistance, while the narrator remains perplexed. * Situational irony: The situation is ironic because Bartleby, initially a seemingly efficient worker, becomes the source of disruption and inefficiency in the office.
Juxtaposition	Placing contrasting ideas or elements side-by-side to create emphasis or tension.	The juxtaposition of Bartleby’s quiet demeanor with his assertive refusal to work (“I would prefer not to”) creates tension and mystery.
Litotes	A form of understatement where an affirmative is expressed by denying its opposite.	“He was not sociable” (Understatement suggesting Bartleby’s extreme social withdrawal).
Motif	A recurring theme or idea throughout the story.	The recurring motif of walls and enclosures is seen in the physical office space, Bartleby’s withdrawn personality, and the societal pressures he seems to resist.
Parallelism	Similar grammatical structures used in successive phrases or sentences to create rhythm or emphasis.	“He never made any mistakes. He was always there” (Parallel structure emphasizing Bartleby’s initial efficiency).
Repetition	The repeated use of words or phrases for emphasis or to create a rhythm.	The constant repetition of Bartleby’s phrase “I would prefer not to” becomes a defining characteristic and a source of both frustration and intrigue.
Rhetorical Question	A question asked for effect, not expecting an answer.	“Who has heard of him? Who knows of him?” (Narrator’s rhetorical questions highlighting Bartleby’s enigmatic existence).
Simile	A comparison between two things using “like” or “as.”	“They clung to him as if they believed that he would somehow prove a successful mediator between them and the lawyer” (Simile describing the other clerks’ initial view of Bartleby).
Symbolism	Objects or actions that carry deeper meaning beyond their literal significance.	Bartleby’s passive resistance can be seen as a symbol of defiance against societal pressures and conformity. The wall surrounding the office space could symbolize societal constraints.
Synaesthesia	A figure of speech where one sense is described in terms of another.	“The dead-wall murmur was the forerunner of revolution” (Narrator describing the sound of the office as a harbinger of change).
Understatement (see Litotes)	A form of understatement where an affirmative is expressed by denying its opposite.
Voice (First-Person vs. Third-Person)	The perspective from which the story is narrated.	The story is narrated in first-person from the perspective of the lawyer.

Characterization in “Bartleby, the Scrivener” by Herman Melville

Major Characters:

Bartleby: The title character and protagonist of the story, Bartleby is a scrivener who is hired by the narrator to copy legal documents. Initially, he is a diligent worker, but he eventually stops working altogether, saying that he “would prefer not to” do any more work. He becomes increasingly withdrawn and refuses to leave the office, eventually dying there.
The Narrator: The wealthy lawyer who employs Bartleby and serves as the main character and narrator of the story. He is sympathetic towards Bartleby at first but becomes increasingly frustrated and agitated by his refusal to work. He tries to reason with Bartleby and even offers him money to leave, but nothing seems to work.

Minor Characters:

Turkey: A scrivener who works in the same office as Bartleby. He is prone to making mistakes in his work, and he becomes argumentative and irritable in the afternoons when he has been drinking.

Nippers: Another scrivener who works in the same office as Bartleby. He is described as being young and ambitious, but he is also prone to fits of anger and irritability. He suffers from indigestion, which makes him particularly ill-tempered in the mornings.
Ginger Nut: The narrator’s errand boy, who is described as being a young boy of about twelve. He is enthusiastic and eager to please, and he often runs errands for the narrator, including fetching food for Bartleby.

Major Themes in “Bartleby, the Scrivener” by Herman Melville

Alienation and Isolation: One of the major themes in “Bartleby, the Scrivener” is the sense of isolation and loneliness experienced by the characters. Bartleby’s refusal to engage with others or participate in society leads to his ultimate isolation and death, while the narrator’s inability to connect with his employees or sympathize with Bartleby’s situation leaves him feeling emotionally distant from those around him.

The Dehumanizing Effects of Capitalism: Melville’s story critiques the capitalist system by portraying how it reduces people to mere cogs in a machine. The narrator views his employees as interchangeable and disposable, valuing them only for their ability to produce work. This leads to a dehumanizing work environment, where employees are not valued as individuals with unique needs and desires.
The Power of Passive Resistance: Bartleby’s repeated refrain of “I would prefer not to” is an act of passive resistance that ultimately leads to his downfall. Despite the narrator’s repeated attempts to get him to work or leave, Bartleby refuses to comply, demonstrating the power of passive resistance as a means of challenging authority.
The Limits of Sympathy: The story explores the limits of sympathy and compassion in a world that values productivity and efficiency above all else. The narrator sympathizes with Bartleby at first, but as his refusal to work continues, the narrator’s frustration and anger towards him grow. The story suggests that even well-intentioned individuals may be limited in their ability to empathize with those who challenge the status quo.

Writing Style in “Bartleby, the Scrivener” by Herman Melville

Characterized by a precise and deliberate prose style, Herman Melville’s “Bartleby, the Scrivener” employs a narrative voice that is both engaging and detached, creating a sense of irony and detachment that underscores the story’s themes of alienation and dehumanization. Melville’s use of vivid and concrete imagery brings the setting of the Wall Street law office to life, while his repetition of key phrases, such as “I prefer not to,” creates a haunting and hypnotic effect that mirrors Bartleby’s passive resistance. The narrative structure of the story, with its use of flashbacks and shifting perspectives, adds complexity and depth to the characters, while the use of satire and humor serves to critique the capitalist society in which the story is set.

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “Bartleby, the Scrivener” by Herman Melville

Theory	Interpretation	Example
Social Commentary (Marxism)	The story critiques the dehumanizing effects of capitalism and the alienation of workers within a capitalist system.	* Bartleby’s repetitive tasks represent the monotonous and soul-crushing nature of office work. * His refusal to work beyond copying can be seen as a rebellion against the system that seeks to control him.
Existentialism	The story explores themes of individual freedom, meaninglessness, and the human struggle to find purpose in life.	* Bartleby’s enigmatic existence and passive resistance question societal norms and expectations. * His isolation reflects the existential struggle with finding meaning in an indifferent universe.
Psychoanalysis (Freudian)	The story explores themes of repressed desires, societal constraints, and the unconscious mind.	* Bartleby’s withdrawn personality and repetitive behavior could be interpreted as a manifestation of repressed trauma or mental illness. * His resistance to authority could be seen as a rebellion against societal expectations and the “superego.”
Absurdism	The story explores the absurdity of existence and the lack of inherent meaning in the universe.	* Bartleby’s nonsensical refusal to work highlights the arbitrary nature of societal rules and expectations. * The story’s ambiguous ending reinforces the idea that Bartleby’s motivations may not be fully understood, emphasizing the absurdity of human existence.

Note: These are just a few of the many interpretations of “Bartleby, the Scrivener.” The beauty of literature lies in its ability to be interpreted in different ways based on the reader’s perspective and chosen lens.

Here are some additional points to consider:

The story can also be interpreted through the lens of individualism vs. conformity, with Bartleby representing a challenge to societal pressures to conform.
Religious interpretations can explore themes of salvation or martyrdom in Bartleby’s unwavering adherence to his principles.
The story’s ambiguity allows for multiple interpretations to coexist, leaving the reader to ponder the meaning of Bartleby’s actions and their own place in the world.

Questions and Thesis Statements about “Bartleby, the Scrivener” by Herman Melville

Question: How does Melville use the character of Bartleby to critique the dehumanizing effects of capitalism? Thesis Statement: Through the character of Bartleby, Herman Melville critiques the dehumanizing effects of capitalism, highlighting how the capitalist system reduces individuals to mere cogs in the machine.
Question: How does the narrative structure of “Bartleby, the Scrivener” contribute to the story’s themes of isolation and alienation? Thesis Statement: The narrative structure of “Bartleby, the Scrivener,” with its use of flashbacks and shifting perspectives, contributes to the story’s themes of isolation and alienation by emphasizing the fragmented and disconnected nature of modern life.
Question: What is the significance of the story’s setting in a Wall Street law office? Thesis Statement: The Wall Street law office setting of “Bartleby, the Scrivener” serves as a microcosm of capitalist society and highlights the dehumanizing effects of the capitalist system.

Question: How does the character of the narrator evolve throughout the course of the story? Thesis Statement: Through his interactions with Bartleby, the narrator of “Bartleby, the Scrivener” undergoes a transformation from a detached observer to a conflicted participant, highlighting the story’s themes of empathy and the struggle to maintain one’s humanity in an indifferent world.
Question: How does the story’s ambiguous ending contribute to its overall meaning? Thesis Statement: The ambiguous ending of “Bartleby, the Scrivener” forces the reader to interpret the meaning of Bartleby’s passive resistance and ultimate demise, contributing to the story’s overall critique of capitalist society and the struggle for individual autonomy and creativity.

Short Questions/Answers about “Bartleby, the Scrivener” by Herman Melville

Question: What is the significance of the subtitle, “A Story of Wall Street”?

Answer: The subtitle, “A Story of Wall Street,” emphasizes the story’s setting and serves as a commentary on the dehumanizing effects of capitalism. The Wall Street law office where the story takes place represents the heart of American capitalism, and the characters in the story are all involved in the capitalist system in some way. Through the story’s setting, Melville critiques the capitalist system and its impact on individuals.
Question: Why does Bartleby prefer to say “I would prefer not to” rather than “no”?
Answer: Bartleby’s refusal to say “no” is a reflection of his passive resistance to the capitalist system. By saying “I would prefer not to,” Bartleby avoids a direct confrontation with authority and asserts his own autonomy. This phrase allows Bartleby to express his own desires and preferences without directly disobeying orders or engaging in active resistance.

Question: What is the significance of Bartleby’s dead letters?
Answer: Bartleby’s dead letters, or unsent and undeliverable letters, represent a rejection of communication and a rejection of the capitalist system. By refusing to send the letters, Bartleby is rejecting the idea of communication as a means of control and manipulation. The dead letters also represent the idea of wasted potential and the failure of communication to bridge the gap between individuals.
Question: What is the relationship between the narrator and Bartleby?

Answer: The relationship between the narrator and Bartleby is complex and multifaceted. At first, the narrator is fascinated by Bartleby’s passive resistance and sees him as an interesting curiosity. However, as Bartleby’s behavior becomes increasingly disruptive, the narrator becomes more conflicted and unsure of how to handle him. Ultimately, the narrator’s attempts to help Bartleby fail, and he is left feeling guilty and haunted by Bartleby’s death. The relationship between the two characters highlights the struggle to maintain one’s humanity in a dehumanizing system and the difficulty of connecting with others in a disconnected and alienated world.

Literary Works Similar to “Bartleby, the Scrivener” by Herman Melville

The Metamorphosis (1915) by Franz Kafka: This seminal novella shares thematic ground with “Bartleby” by delving into transformation and its accompanying alienation. Gregor Samsa’s abrupt metamorphosis into an insect mirrors the unsettling transformation experienced by the narrator in “Axolotl.” Both protagonists lose their former identities and navigate a world that no longer recognizes them.
The Stranger (1942) by Albert Camus: This philosophical novel explores alienation and existentialism through Meursault, a man who commits a senseless murder and feels indifferent to his actions. Similar to “Bartleby, the Scrivener,” “The Stranger” features protagonists who challenge societal norms and grapple with the meaninglessness of existence.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1962) by Ken Kesey: Set in a mental institution, this classic novel explores themes akin to “Bartleby,” including conformity, individuality, and resistance against oppressive systems. Randle McMurphy, the rebellious protagonist, shares similarities with Bartleby in his defiance of authority and societal expectations.
The Trial (1925) by Franz Kafka: This enigmatic novel depicts Josef K.’s arrest and prosecution for an unspecified crime. Both “The Trial” and “Bartleby, the Scrivener” create unsettling and absurd situations as their protagonists navigate seemingly nonsensical systems.
The Invisible Man (1952) by Ralph Ellison: While the specific societal context differs, The Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison resonates thematically with “Bartleby.” Both novels explore alienation and the struggle to find one’s place in society, with “The Invisible Man” focusing on the experiences of an unnamed African American man facing racism in New York City.

Articles:

Clayton, Michelle. “Introduction to Julio Cortázar, The Situation of the Latin American Intellectual.” Journal of Latin American Cultural Studies 19.3 (2010): 335-339. [While this article focuses on Cortázar, it provides valuable context for exploring themes of alienation and absurdity, relevant to “Bartleby.”
Ring, Annie. “THE POLITICS OF ‘PRIMARY REJECTION’IN HERMAN MELVILLE’S BARTLEBY AND HITO STEYERL’S HOW NOT TO BE SEEN: RACISM,(IL) LEGIBILITY, SURVEILLANCE, AND DETERMINATE NEGATION.” German Life and Letters 74.1 (2021): 67-89.

Websites:

The Melville Society International: https://www.melvillesociety.org/ This website offers a wealth of resources on Melville’s work, including critical essays and information on scholarship related to “Bartleby, the Scrivener.”
The American Transcendentalist Web: https://archive.vcu.edu/english/engweb/transcendentalism/index.html While not solely focused on Melville, this website provides context for the philosophical and social movements that influenced American literature in his time, providing a backdrop for understanding “Bartleby.”

“Everything That Rises Must Converge” by Flannery O’Connor: A Review

“Everything That Rises Must Converge” by Flannery O’Connor was first published in 1961 within the literary journal New World Writing.

Introduction: “Everything That Rises Must Converge” by Flannery O’Connor

“Everything That Rises Must Converge” by Flannery O’Connor was first published in 1961 within the literary journal New World Writing. A hallmark of O’Connor’s Southern Gothic style, the story delves into themes of race, class, and generational conflict within the American South. Its jarring climax, unflinching portrayal of prejudice, and complex exploration of human frailty have established it as a mainstay in high school and collegiate literary studies.

Summary of Main Events: “Everything That Rises Must Converge” by Flannery O’Connor

Opening scene: An older, white Southern woman (Julian’s mother) and her son Julian board a bus. She strikes up a condescending conversation with a Black woman.
Racial tensions: Julian’s mother’s attempts at forced politeness highlight her subtle racism, making Julian increasingly uncomfortable.

The hat: Julian’s mother insists on giving a young Black boy a penny, further straining the tense atmosphere.
Mother as flawed figure: Julian reflects on his mother’s traditional views and her resistance towards social change. He dreams of a life beyond her influence.
Identity struggle: Julian feels both superior and connected to the Black passengers, revealing his own internal conflicts.

The shared hat: Julian’s mother spots a Black woman wearing the same gaudy hat as herself, triggering feelings of both connection and superiority.
Confrontation escalates: Julian’s mother feels faint and the Black woman on the bus offers concerned assistance.
Julian’s anger: He witnesses what he interprets as his mother being patronized and humiliated, his anger boiling over.

Racial divide: Julian’s own prejudices are brought to the forefront as he envisions a violent confrontation.
Mother’s response: Instead of reacting violently, his mother is deeply upset and has difficulty speaking.
Julian’s futile support: Julian attempts to comfort his mother, but the emotional gulf between them is laid bare.

Mother’s collapse: Julian’s mother suffers a stroke on the walk home, triggered by the stress and shock of the events.
Julian’s emotional isolation: He is left alone as his mother is taken by ambulance, reflecting on his own anger and his failure to truly understand her.
Final scene: Julian stands alone at the bus stop, surrounded by the Black neighborhood and confronted with the consequences of his worldview.

Literary Devices/Structural Devices in “Everything That Rises Must Converge” by Flannery O’Connor

Literary/Structural Device	Explanation	Example from the Text
Allusion	Reference to history, literature, art, etc. for effect	Julian’s thoughts about his mother’s ancestors fighting in the Civil War
Characterization	How the author creates and develops character traits	Julian’s disdain for his mother’s beliefs contrasted with his own pride
Climax	The turning point or highest emotional intensity	The confrontation on the bus and Julian’s mother’s stroke
Conflict	The main struggle or problem in the story	Generational conflict, racial tensions, internal struggle
Dialogue	Conversations between characters	Racially charged exchanges between Julian’s mother and Black passengers
Epiphany	A character’s sudden realization or insight	Julian’s final moment of clarity, left alone and facing the repercussions
Flashback	Interruption of the narrative to present past events	Julian’s memories of his mother’s younger days
Foreshadowing	Hints or clues about upcoming events	The increasingly tense bus atmosphere, building towards conflict
Hyperbole	Exaggeration for emphasis or dramatic effect	Julian’s mother’s exaggerated fear of sitting among Black passengers
Imagery	Vivid sensory descriptions to evoke emotions	“Her eyes retained their battered look” – describing the mother’s shock
Irony	Words or events conveying a meaning opposite to literal	Mother’s insistence on giving the Black child money while being racist
Metaphor	Comparison without “like” or “as”	Julian’s mother described as clinging to old beliefs “like a fierce and loyal crab”
Mood	The story’s overall emotional atmosphere	Tense, discomforting, building towards a sense of inevitability
Motif	Recurring element that reinforces a theme	The hat, representing connection and social hierarchy
Personification	Giving non-human things human characteristics	The city described as yawning after a night’s sleep
Point of View	From whose perspective the story is told	Third-person limited, focused primarily on Julian’s thoughts
Setting	Time, place, and social context of the story	1960s American South, the bus as a microcosm of society
Simile	Comparison using “like” or “as”	“It was like riding a full bus incognito” – Julian and his mother’s disguise
Symbolism	An object or image representing a larger idea	The shared hat – symbolizing class, race, and unexpected connections
Theme	The underlying message or idea the author explores	Social change, racism, the illusion of superiority, flawed relationships

Characterization: “Everything That Rises Must Converge” by Flannery O’Connor

Julian’s Mother

Outdated Views & Condescension:
From the beginning, the story highlights her adherence to an older system of social rules and race relations. Her attempts at politeness towards Black passengers, like offering a penny to Carver, are rooted in a deep sense of patronization and antiquated social hierarchy.
- “They should rise, yes…but on their own side of the fence.”

Clinging to the Past: Her nostalgia for a lost Southern aristocracy flavors many of her conversations and memories. The grandfather’s old plantation functions as a symbol of past status and privilege.
- “Her face could be kind when she closed her eyes and reminisced about her great-grandfather who had been a Confederate major…”
Superficiality: The matching “ugly” hats symbolize her focus on appearances and her belief in social stratification as determined by possessions and perceived class. O’Connor describes them as “idiotic” to emphasize the futility of judging by outward appearance.

Limited Self-Awareness: One of her most striking traits is a lack of insight into how her views are perceived. She believes herself to be a good, Christian woman and is genuinely baffled when her attempts at patronizing charity are met with resistance.
Frailty Beyond Age: As much as the story explores her outdated views. O’Connor also portrays her increasing physical frailty and reliance on Julian. The stroke is not just a plot device, it highlights her vulnerability, particularly in the context of social change.

Julian

Intellectual Superiority: He is defined by a sense of intellectual pride that masks his deep insecurities and reliance on his mother. He constantly judges her in his thoughts, sees himself as more enlightened, and scoffs at her perceived ignorance.
- “He considered himself superior to the ordinary run of humanity…”
Internal Conflict: Despite his supposed progressive views, his behavior often reveals his own prejudices and internal struggle. His desire to sit with the Black man on the bus stems as much from a sense of defiance towards his mother as from solidarity.
Frustrations & Selfishness: He uses his mother’s shortcomings as an excuse for his own stagnant life. His aspirations to be a writer and escape his situation remain vague and lack action.
- “His mother had never entered (his private world)” – yet, he also hasn’t fully entered his own potential
Misplaced Anger: Julian’s bitterness manifests as anger towards his mother, a perceived stand-in for an old world order he rejects yet can’t fully escape. O’Connor hints at his fear of becoming like her one day.
Glimpse of Humanity: Julian is not completely unsympathetic. In the aftermath of his mother’s stroke, we see his panic and confusion. Yet, even this moment is tinged with self-reflection, illustrating the challenge of true empathy.

Major Themes: “Everything That Rises Must Converge” by Flannery O’Connor

Theme	Explanation	Examples from the Story
Social Change & The Illusion of Superiority	Examines the tension between outdated social hierarchies and the inevitability of change. Characters cling to notions of superiority based on race and class, but events constantly undermine these beliefs.	* Julian’s mother’s condescending attitude towards Black passengers. <br> * Julian’s belief in his own intellectual superiority. * The shared hat worn by both his mother and a Black woman becomes a potent symbol of unexpected connection, undercutting their perceived differences.
Racism & Prejudice	Unflinchingly explores the insidious nature of racism, from outright prejudice to subtle microaggressions. The story reveals how even seemingly well-meaning individuals can fall prey to systemic prejudice.	* Julian’s mother’s patronizing attempts to give Carver a penny. * Julian’s own conflicted feelings of superiority mixed with a desire for connection with Black passengers. * The Black woman’s justifiable anger and distrust when Julian’s mother offers assistance during her faintness.
Generational Conflict	The story centers on the clash between Julian and his mother, representing broader societal shifts. Their conflict symbolizes the struggle between an older generation clinging to the past and a younger one seeking progress.	* Julian’s frustration with his mother’s outdated views and her influence over his life. * His mother’s nostalgia for a lost Southern aristocracy and resistance to changing social norms.
Flawed Humanity & Grace	O’Connor’s Southern Gothic style often involves moments of unexpected grace amidst characters’ flaws. The story paints a complex picture of human frailty and the potential for change or redemption, however fleeting.	* Julian’s mother’s genuine shock and vulnerability that culminate in her stroke – challenging Julian’s preconceived notions about her. * Julian’s final moment of clarity and isolation, offering the possibility, though uncertain, of personal transformation.

Writing Style in “Everything That Rises Must Converge” by Flannery O’Connor

Flannery O’Connor’s short story “Everything That Rises Must Converge” exemplifies her distinctive Southern Gothic writing style. The story utilizes grotesque imagery, such as the description of the houses as “bulbous liver-colored monstrosities,” to create a sense of unease and decay. O’Connor crafts unsympathetic characters—Julian with his intellectual snobbery and his mother with her racist condescension—forcing the reader to confront uncomfortable truths about prejudice. The story’s sharp dialogue and vivid descriptions paint a complex and unsettling portrait of the American South during the era of the Civil Rights movement. O’Connor’s climax delivers a moment of shocking violence, not in physical form, but in the emotional devastation of Julian’s mother, which serves as her signature method of revealing hidden depths and potential for grace within even flawed characters.

Literary Theories and Interpretation of “Everything That Rises Must Converge” by Flannery O’Connor

Literary Theory	Interpretation Focus	Examples from the Story
Feminist Criticism	Explores power dynamics related to gender, patriarchy, and social roles.	* Julian’s mother embodies female figures of the Old South, constrained by social expectations and clinging to waning power.<br> * The Black woman on the bus becomes a figure of resistance and defiance, challenging Julian’s mother’s patronizing gestures and social assumptions.
Marxist Criticism	Focuses on class conflict, economic systems, and societal divisions based on wealth and power.	* The story subtly portrays class tensions. Julian sees himself as intellectually above others yet depends on his mother financially.<br> * Racial prejudice is interwoven with a sense of class hierarchy and historical economic injustice tied to slavery.
New Historicism	Examines the story through the lens of its specific historical and cultural context	* Written during the height of the Civil Rights movement, the story grapples with the legacies of racism and forced integration in the American South.<br>* Julian’s and his mother’s perspectives reflect the complex social dynamics and generational conflict of the era.
Psychoanalytic Criticism	Explores unconscious desires, motivations, and the human psyche.	* Julian’s internal struggle reveals a suppressed desire for both rebellion and connection, highlighting his conflicted relationship with his mother and the social order they represent. <br> * The mother’s intense reaction to the shared hat could be interpreted as a subconscious recognition of her own social fragility.
Reader-Response Criticism	Focuses on the reader’s active role in constructing meaning from the text.	* The story’s lack of easy resolutions and unsympathetic characters provoke a variety of emotional and intellectual responses, inviting readers to confront their own preconceptions about race and class. <br> * O’Connor’s use of ambiguity and open-endedness leaves space for multiple interpretations and ongoing debate.

Questions and Thesis Statements about “Everything That Rises Must Converge” by Flannery O’Connor

Topic	Question	Thesis Statement
Social Change	How does the story portray the societal clash between old social orders and the push for racial integration?	In “Everything That Rises Must Converge,” O’Connor uses the microcosm of the bus to illustrate the painful and inevitable clash of old social hierarchies with the forces of desegregation and a changing American South.
Symbolism	What is the significance of the shared hat in the story?	The matching hats in “Everything That Rises Must Converge” symbolize connection, class divides, and the crumbling illusion of superiority, forcing both Julian and his mother to confront their flawed assumptions about the world.
Characterization	How does O’Connor use Julian’s character to explore internal conflict and hypocrisy?	O’Connor constructs Julian as a character of deep contradictions; his outward progressivism masks latent prejudice, revealing the hypocrisy of intellectual snobbery that fails to overcome internalized biases.
Grotesque Elements	How does O’Connor’s use of the grotesque shape the reader’s understanding of the characters and setting?	Flannery O’Connor’s signature Southern Gothic style employs grotesque imagery and descriptions to create a sense of unease, revealing the warped perspectives and decaying social structures within the story’s world.
Grace	To what extent does O’Connor offer a possibility of grace or redemption within the story’s bleak ending?	While “Everything That Rises Must Converge” delivers a shocking conclusion, it also hints at a potential for change and grace; the characters’ moments of vulnerability challenge easy dismissals and suggest a possibility, however fleeting, for personal transformation.

Short Questions/Answers “Everything That Rises Must Converge” by Flannery O’Connor

How does symbolism enhance the story’s central themes?

Answer: O’Connor masterfully utilizes symbolism to highlight themes of social hierarchy, prejudice, and the fragility of perceived differences.
- The matching hats: Initially symbolic of class divisions, ultimately they force both Julian’s mother and the Black woman to confront the illusion of their imagined superiority.
- Carver: The child’s name evokes historic figures involved in Black uplift and education, subtly challenging the racist notions of the older generation.

Is Julian a sympathetic character? Why or why not?

Answer: Julian’s character evokes a complex mixture of disdain and pity. His supposed intellectual progressivism hides deep-rooted prejudices, mirroring those of his mother.
- His desire to connect with Black passengers stems as much from defying his mother as from genuine solidarity.
- Ultimately, his intellectual pride, self-centeredness, and inability to act meaningfully against the social injustices make him a largely unsympathetic figure.

How does the setting contribute to the story’s atmosphere?

Answer: The 1960s Southern setting and the confined, public space of the bus magnify the social anxieties of the era.
- O’Connor’s Southern Gothic style utilizes grotesque descriptions of the physical environment – decaying houses, the heat – reflecting the warped perspectives of the characters and the suffocating tension of forced integration.
- The bus mirrors the larger society; a microcosm of racial divisions and inevitable collisions of old and new.

What is O’Connor’s message about human nature?

Answer: O’Connor’s unflinching portrayal of flawed characters forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves.
- The story exposes the insidious persistence of prejudice, even in those who perceive themselves as enlightened or well-intentioned.
- O’Connor’s signature use of shock – here, the emotional devastation of the stroke – suggests that grace or transformation might only arise from confronting the darkest parts of ourselves.

Literary Works Similar to “Everything That Rises Must Converge” by Flannery O’Connor

· Other Works by Flannery O’Connor:

Short Stories: Collections like “A Good Man is Hard to Find” and The Complete Stories exhibit her distinct Southern Gothic style, tackling themes of grotesque characters, social decay, and the violence that underlies seemingly polite society.

Novels: Wise Blood delves into religious extremism, the search for meaning, and O’Connor’s complex treatment of characters who are at once deeply flawed and capable of redemption.

· Southern Gothic Tradition:

William Faulkner: Novels like As I Lay Dying and short stories such as “A Rose for Emily” utilize a similar setting and explore the complexities of family, the legacy of the American South, and the presence of the grotesque hidden within the seemingly ordinary.
Carson McCullers: Novels like The Heart is a Lonely Hunter expose societal isolation, inner turmoil, and characters grappling with identity and social alienation in a Southern context.

Toni Morrison: Novels like The Bluest Eye examine the psychological effects of internalized racism and grapple with ideas of beauty and societal expectations within the Black community.
Ralph Ellison: His seminal novel Invisible Man offers a searing critique of societal blindness towards the Black experience and the struggle for identity in a prejudiced world.
James Baldwin: Short stories like “Sonny’s Blues” and essays collected in Notes of a Native Son dissect racial tensions, family dynamics, and the search for understanding across social divides.

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