Lincoln in the Bardo

Lincoln in the Bardo

by

George Saunders

The Three Bachelors Character Analysis

Three young men who never fell in love in the living world and are thus intent upon finding romance in the Bardo. The only Bardo-dwellers who can fly, the Bachelors detest commitment, refusing to do anything they don’t want to do. In this way, they wait for love while simultaneously resisting the implications of what it might mean to be in a devoted relationship.
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The Three Bachelors Character Timeline in Lincoln in the Bardo

The timeline below shows where the character The Three Bachelors appears in Lincoln in the Bardo. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 34-35
Transition and Impermanence Theme Icon
Vollman, Bevins, and the Reverend start digging at the tendrils wrapping around Willie. Above, the Three Bachelors fly about while laughing and making jokes. “Having never loved or been loved in that... (full context)
Chapter 78-79
Unity Theme Icon
Empathy and Equality Theme Icon
Bevins calls out to the Bachelors and asks them—when they land—to fly ahead and collect any additional souls who might be... (full context)
Chapter 104-106
Transition and Impermanence Theme Icon
...deep fatigue in their bodies, which only makes them hurry along. Among these souls are the Bachelors , who fly over head and lament the fact that they have to return to... (full context)