Bartholomew, in American Horror Story, is a grotesque infant born to Nora and Charles Montgomery in 1922, and subsequently murdered. This tragic event, fueled by Charles’s unethical medical experiments and Nora’s fragile mental state, serves as a pivotal point of trauma and the genesis of much of the haunting that plagues the Murder House.
The Origins of Bartholomew: A Child of Science and Tragedy
The story of Bartholomew is deeply rooted in the dark history of the Murder House, a sprawling mansion that has witnessed countless atrocities. To fully understand Bartholomew’s significance, we must delve into the circumstances surrounding his birth and the motivations of his parents, Charles and Nora Montgomery. Charles, a renowned surgeon, became obsessed with experimental procedures, often conducted within the walls of their home. Nora, his wife, yearned for a child and stability. Tragically, their desires collided in a disastrous manner.
Charles, driven by financial desperation and a twisted ambition, began performing illegal abortions for wealthy clients. This brought him into conflict with a former patient, a disgruntled man named Mr. and Mrs. Langdon, who sought revenge for what he perceived as malpractice.
The Langdons broke into the Montgomery home, kidnapped Bartholomew, and subsequently dismembered him. This act of unspeakable violence shattered Nora’s already fragile psyche, driving her to madness and eventually to a double murder-suicide with Charles, forever trapping them within the confines of the Murder House.
Bartholomew, therefore, is more than just a grotesque image; he represents the ultimate symbol of lost innocence, the devastating consequences of unethical ambition, and the enduring power of grief and trauma. His spectral presence lingers within the house, a constant reminder of the horrors that transpired and a source of the malevolent energy that permeates its walls.
The Significance of Bartholomew in the Murder House’s Lore
Bartholomew’s dismemberment is the catalyst for the haunting of the Murder House. It is the primal wound that never heals, radiating outward and poisoning the house with negativity and despair. Every ghost trapped within the house is, in some way, connected to the tragedy of Bartholomew and the circumstances surrounding his death.
Nora, driven mad by grief and guilt, becomes obsessed with finding another child to mother, often targeting pregnant women or young children who enter the house. Her desperate longing for the child she lost makes her a dangerous and unpredictable force. Charles, burdened by his own guilt and driven further into madness by his grief, continues his macabre experiments, attempting to resurrect Bartholomew in twisted and unnatural ways. His experiments, fueled by both scientific curiosity and a desperate desire for redemption, only serve to further corrupt the house and add to the cycle of violence and suffering.
Furthermore, Bartholomew’s death directly impacts the future generations connected to the Murder House, particularly the character of Michael Langdon, also known as the Antichrist. The Langdon family’s act of violence against Bartholomew sets in motion a chain of events that ultimately leads to the birth of a being of pure evil. Thus, Bartholomew serves as a crucial linchpin in the overarching narrative of American Horror Story, connecting various seasons and storylines through the enduring themes of trauma, revenge, and the corrupting influence of the past.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the Mystery of Bartholomew
This section addresses frequently asked questions regarding Bartholomew’s story, aiming to clarify common confusions and provide a comprehensive understanding of his role in American Horror Story.
Who are Bartholomew’s parents?
Bartholomew’s parents are Dr. Charles Montgomery and Nora Montgomery. Charles was a surgeon with a penchant for experimental procedures, while Nora was his wife, deeply yearning for a child and a stable family life.
How did Bartholomew die?
Bartholomew was kidnapped and dismembered by Mr. and Mrs. Langdon, former patients of Charles Montgomery, who sought revenge for perceived malpractice.
What season of American Horror Story does Bartholomew appear in?
Bartholomew’s story is primarily featured in the first season, American Horror Story: Murder House. However, his death and its repercussions are referenced in subsequent seasons as well.
What is Bartholomew’s significance to the overall storyline?
Bartholomew’s death is the catalyst for the haunting of the Murder House. It fuels the grief and madness of his parents and sets in motion a chain of events that affects future inhabitants and even leads to the birth of Michael Langdon, the Antichrist.
What is the relationship between Bartholomew and Michael Langdon?
The Langdon family murdered Bartholomew. Constance Langdon’s husband, Hugo, and she kidnapped Bartholomew to exact revenge against Charles Montgomery. This sets a dark trajectory in motion that eventually leads to the birth of Michael Langdon.
What are Charles Montgomery’s experiments?
Charles Montgomery performed unethical medical experiments, including illegal abortions, which ultimately led to the conflict that resulted in Bartholomew’s death. He also attempted to reassemble Bartholomew’s remains, showcasing his descent into madness.
How does Nora Montgomery react to Bartholomew’s death?
Nora Montgomery is driven mad by grief and guilt. She becomes obsessed with finding another child to replace Bartholomew, often targeting pregnant women or young children who enter the Murder House.
Does Bartholomew’s ghost ever appear in the series?
While Bartholomew’s dismembered body is shown, his actual ghost is rarely seen as a distinct entity. His presence is more symbolic, representing the enduring trauma and darkness that permeate the Murder House.
Why did the Langdons kill Bartholomew?
The Langdons sought revenge against Charles Montgomery for perceived malpractice. They felt that Charles had harmed them, and they retaliated by inflicting unimaginable pain on him by killing his son.
Is Bartholomew’s story based on any real-life events?
While the specific details of Bartholomew’s story are fictional, it draws upon themes of unethical medical practices, infanticide, and the psychological toll of grief, which have historical and social relevance.
What does Bartholomew symbolize in American Horror Story?
Bartholomew symbolizes lost innocence, the devastating consequences of unethical ambition, and the enduring power of grief and trauma. He represents the primal wound at the heart of the Murder House’s haunting.
How does Bartholomew’s death contribute to the evil of the Murder House?
Bartholomew’s death infuses the house with negative energy and despair. It creates a cycle of violence and suffering that traps the spirits within its walls and makes them prone to malevolent behavior. He essentially sets the stage for decades of subsequent tragedies.