As with exile, isolation can by physical or spiritual. With Melville (who likes his metaphors physical) it's often both at once, like out in the Galapagos, where folks sit on the islands all alone except for the occasional passing turtle, or hang out on a piazza all alone, imagining someone else out there over the mountains all alone. And then sometimes, like Benito Cereno, you can be isolated even while surrounded by people—or especially because you're surrounded by people, in Don Benito's case.
Questions About Isolation
- Does Bartleby isolate himself? Or who is responsible for his isolation? Explain your answer.
- Are Babo and the black people aboard the ship isolated? Explain your answer.
- Are the Galapagos tragic or frightening because they are isolated? Or is the isolation what makes them interesting?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Amaso Delano is isolated by his ignorance.
Beinto Cereno is isolated by his knowledge.