What Happens To Bartleby And Loki In Dogma

What Happens to Bartleby and Loki in Dogma? A Look at Kevin Smith's Angelic Outcasts

Kevin Smith's Dogma is a riotous, irreverent, and surprisingly heartfelt comedy that tackles religious dogma with a healthy dose of satire. Among its ensemble cast of quirky characters, two stand out: Bartleby, a fallen angel, and Loki, a disgraced fallen angel. Their fates, however, diverge significantly throughout the film. This article will delve into what happens to each of them, exploring their individual journeys and the ultimate implications for their respective destinies.

Bartleby's Path to Redemption: Bartleby, played by the late great Ben Affleck, is presented as a genuinely repentant angel. He's weary of his existence in the afterlife and longs for a chance at redemption. Unlike Loki, he doesn't harbor resentment or desire for power. His primary motivation is to undo his role in the creation of the loophole that threatens to unravel the fabric of reality. He actively participates in the quest to prevent the Incarnation, demonstrating a strong sense of responsibility and a desire to make amends for his past transgressions. This active role in rectifying his mistakes is key to understanding his eventual fate. His journey is one of self-sacrifice and genuine remorse, leading him to a surprisingly satisfying conclusion.

Bartleby's Transformation and Ultimate Fate:

• A Change of Heart: Bartleby's willingness to help the protagonists, despite his own dire circumstances, showcases his true character. He consistently displays empathy and a surprising amount of compassion.
• Active Participation: Unlike Loki, who initially plots behind the scenes, Bartleby directly confronts his own mistakes and engages in the struggle to fix them. This active participation is crucial to his redemption.
• Acceptance of Consequences: Though he doesn't face a direct punishment, Bartleby accepts the implications of his actions and embraces the possibility of his ultimate fate, showing a significant personal growth throughout the film.

Loki's Downward Spiral: Loki, portrayed by Matt Damon, is a vastly different character. Initially presenting himself as a helpful guide, he quickly reveals his true nature: cynical, manipulative, and power-hungry. Unlike Bartleby's remorse, Loki's "regret" is performative and self-serving. He actively undermines the efforts of the protagonists, driven by his desire to exploit the situation for his personal gain. His actions are self-centered and betray any sense of true redemption. This ultimately determines his outcome within the film's narrative.

Loki's Actions and Consequences:

• Self-Serving Motives: Loki consistently acts in his own self-interest, regardless of the consequences for others, or even the fate of reality itself. His actions demonstrate a lack of remorse and empathy.
• Betrayal and Manipulation: He manipulates and betrays those around him, consistently using them to further his own agenda. This solidifies his character as a villain within the narrative.
• Lack of Genuine Repentance: Unlike Bartleby, Loki shows no true sign of remorse or a desire for genuine redemption. His actions are entirely driven by selfish ambition.

Comparing Their Destinies: The contrasting fates of Bartleby and Loki highlight the film's central themes of redemption and the nature of faith. Bartleby, through his active participation in rectifying his mistakes and his genuine remorse, finds a measure of peace. Loki, on the other hand, continues his downward spiral, driven by his selfishness and lack of genuine change. His ultimate fate remains ambiguous, but it clearly reflects the consequences of his choices. The contrast between their journeys emphasizes the importance of sincere repentance and the difficulty of true redemption. While Bartleby finds a path towards acceptance, Loki’s actions confirm his place as a truly fallen angel, forever bound to his flawed nature. The film ultimately suggests that true redemption requires more than just words; it demands active participation and a genuine change of heart.