http://image.shutterstock.com/z/stock-vector-businessman-leap-of-faith-concept-presumptuous-man-of-business-walks-off-the-cliff-with-red-329719802.jpg
Thesis statement: Bartleby is a noble character who follows Aristotle’s tragic hero journey model by starting off successful but because he made the mistake of choosing the business world as his field he goes from hero to failure.
This image is symbolic of Bartleby and the tragic hero journey model because it shows that looks can be deceiving. The man in this image, who is also a business man like Bartleby, is walking straight on what appears to be normal beautiful green grass. Everything seems fine, the character is smiling but like Bartleby he also makes a huge mistake. The man thinks that that he is happy and walking straight but because he doesn’t look around him or his suroundings he doesn’t realize that he is walking off a cliff. The cliff symbolizes the mans near demise because he made the mistake of walking this way without looking. Both Bartleby and the man start off happy and seemingly successful but they both make a crucial mistake that lead their demise.
4 responses so far ↓
lh154081 // May 13th 2016 at 11:30 pm
I think that you have a clear/strong thesis statement, and your image presents a good representation of Bartleby and his life. However, I think it would be better to directly relate/explain how the steps of the tragic hero journey model relates to the image. Nonetheless, the image you picked is very thought provoking and stays true to Bartleby’s nature in the story.
a.blackwell // May 13th 2016 at 11:36 pm
I really like your thesis statement. It’s focused and specific enough to be proven. I feel your thesis statement did more than just announce the topic; it revealed what position you are going to take in relation to that topic. Also, the visual you picked was pretty interesting. It does symbolize Bartleby in many ways. Bartleby is considered to be a businessman but does not fit in that type of environment. Bartleby is slow moving, passive and does not concern himself with money. In my opinion, the cliff can also symbolize an edge of change, danger or a decision. It can also indicate taking a risk or a barrier, and so being confronted by fear and how you deal with your fears.
Ivy Liu // May 14th 2016 at 12:27 am
I think your thesis statement really connects with the picture and journey model. The picture definitely represents Bartleby, who is someone that looks like he fits in the social norm, but is actually the complete opposite. The cliff represents the inevitability of death and destruction, which is something that happened in Bartleby. This image is very relatable to Bartleby and his detachment with the world.
JMERLE // May 14th 2016 at 10:32 am
Yes, this is quite a nice image, and goes well with Aristotle’s ideas on tragedy and, of course, with Bartleby. Remember, in your final essay, you’ll need to discuss (on the image page) the various points of the “journey” that match Bartleby’s demise.
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