“Bartleby, the Scrivener” is a short story written by Herman Melville in 1853. The story is about a Wall Street lawyer who hires Bartleby, a new clerk, to work in his practice. However, Bartleby soon refuses to do his job and rejects every request with a polite “I would prefer not to.” The story has been widely studied and is often interpreted as an allegory for the dehumanizing effects of capitalism.
The story’s protagonist, the lawyer, represents the capitalist system, while Bartleby represents the working class. Bartleby’s refusal to work and his repeated mantra of “I would prefer not to” can be seen as a form of resistance against the capitalist system that seeks to exploit and dehumanize workers. The story also touches on themes of isolation, conformity, and the struggle for individuality.
Overview of ‘Bartleby, the Scrivener’
‘Bartleby, the Scrivener‘ is a short story written by Herman Melville that was first published in 1853. It is a story about a Wall Street lawyer who hires a new clerk named Bartleby to work in his practice. The story is narrated by the lawyer, who initially finds Bartleby to be a diligent and efficient worker. However, things take a turn when Bartleby starts to refuse to do his work, repeatedly stating “I would prefer not to”.
The story explores themes of isolation, alienation, and the struggle for individuality in a society that values conformity. It is often interpreted as an allegory for the dehumanizing effects of modern capitalism and the loss of humanity in the workplace.
Throughout the story, the lawyer tries to reason with Bartleby and understand his behavior, but ultimately fails to do so. The story ends with Bartleby being taken to prison, where he eventually dies.
‘Bartleby, the Scrivener’ has become a classic of American literature and is widely studied and analyzed for its themes and symbolism. It is a thought-provoking story that challenges readers to reflect on the nature of work, society, and the human condition.
Historical Context of the Novella
Bartleby, the Scrivener is a novella written by Herman Melville and published in 1853. The story is set in Wall Street, New York City, during the mid-19th century. At that time, Wall Street was the center of American finance, and the city was rapidly growing into an industrial and commercial hub.
Melville wrote the novella during a time of great change in American society. The country was expanding westward, and the Industrial Revolution was transforming the economy. This period of rapid change created a sense of anxiety and uncertainty among Americans.
The novella reflects this sense of anxiety and uncertainty. The character of Bartleby represents the alienation and isolation that many Americans felt during this time. The Wall Street setting, with its emphasis on money and materialism, reflects the growing importance of capitalism in American society.
Main Themes in ‘Bartleby, the Scrivener’
One of the main themes in ‘Bartleby, the Scrivener’ is the idea of alienation and isolation. The story’s protagonist, Bartleby, is a scrivener who is employed by a lawyer to copy legal documents. However, Bartleby becomes increasingly withdrawn and uncommunicative, refusing to perform his duties and eventually withdrawing from society altogether. This theme of isolation is also reflected in the lawyer’s own sense of loneliness, as he struggles to connect with Bartleby and understand his motivations.
Another important theme in ‘Bartleby, the Scrivener’ is the idea of conformity and non-conformity. Bartleby’s refusal to perform his duties and engage with society can be seen as a rejection of the conformity and regimentation that was becoming increasingly prevalent in American society at the time. The story can be read as a critique of the dehumanizing effects of capitalism and industrialization, which were transforming America into a more bureaucratic and regimented society.
A third theme in ‘Bartleby, the Scrivener’ is the idea of power and control. The lawyer’s attempts to exert control over Bartleby are ultimately unsuccessful, as Bartleby withdraws from society and refuses to engage with the lawyer’s demands. This theme of power and control is also reflected in the lawyer’s interactions with his other employees, as he struggles to maintain his authority and keep his office running smoothly.
Character Analysis: Bartleby
Bartleby is the main character in Herman Melville‘s short story “Bartleby, the Scrivener.” He is a scrivener, a copyist who works in a law office. Bartleby is a mysterious and complex character who is difficult to understand. He is described as having a “pallid hue” and “cadaverousness” that makes him appear sickly and frail.
Bartleby is a character who is difficult to read. He is passive and unresponsive, often replying to requests with “I would prefer not to.” This phrase becomes his signature response and is repeated throughout the story. He is also a character who is difficult to pin down. He has no apparent motivation or desires, and it is unclear why he behaves the way he does.
Bartleby’s passivity and lack of motivation make him a symbol of resistance to the capitalist system. He refuses to participate in the work of copying legal documents, which is a metaphor for the repetitive and meaningless work that many people are forced to do in order to survive. Bartleby’s refusal to participate in this system is a powerful critique of the dehumanizing effects of capitalism.
Allegorical Interpretations
Bartleby, the Scrivener by Herman Melville is a complex allegory that can be interpreted in various ways. One interpretation suggests that Bartleby represents passive resistance in the face of authority. Through his refusal to work and his repeated statement, “I would prefer not to,” Bartleby resists the Lawyer’s attempts to control and exploit him.
Another interpretation suggests that Bartleby represents the dehumanizing effects of modern capitalism. Bartleby’s lifeless existence as a scrivener and his eventual death in prison represent the soul-crushing nature of the capitalist system.
The character of the Lawyer can also be interpreted allegorically. Some readers see him as a symbol of the corrupt and oppressive legal system, while others see him as a representation of the middle-class American businessman who values profit over human life.
The Plight of the Common Worker
Bartleby, the Scrivener, is an allegory that explores the plight of the common worker during the mid-19th century. The story follows the life of a scrivener named Bartleby, who is hired by a Wall Street lawyer to copy legal documents. Initially, Bartleby is a model employee, but he gradually becomes increasingly withdrawn and refuses to do his job.
The story highlights the monotony and tediousness of the work that Bartleby and other scriveners are forced to do day in and day out. The narrator describes the work as “deadening” and “soul-destroying,” and it is clear that the scriveners are not passionate about their work.
Furthermore, Bartleby’s refusal to do his job highlights the power imbalance between employers and employees. Bartleby’s employer, the lawyer, is initially sympathetic to Bartleby’s plight and tries to help him. However, as Bartleby’s behavior becomes more erratic, the lawyer becomes increasingly frustrated and eventually has Bartleby arrested.
Isolation and the Modern Workplace
Bartleby, the Scrivener, is a story that explores the theme of isolation in the modern workplace. The protagonist, Bartleby, is a scrivener who works in a law office on Wall Street. He is isolated from the other employees and spends most of his time alone in a small, dark office.
The story takes place during a time when Wall Street was becoming increasingly important as a financial hub of American society, and the workplace was changing as a result. The modern workplace was becoming more disconnected, and employees were becoming more isolated from each other.
Bartleby’s isolation is a reflection of the dehumanizing effects of capitalism and the modern workplace. He is seen as a machine that performs a specific task and is not valued for his individuality or humanity. This is evident in the way his employer, the Lawyer, treats him. The Lawyer sees Bartleby as a tool to be used for his own purposes, rather than as a person with thoughts and feelings.
Passive Resistance in “Bartleby”
“Bartleby, the Scrivener” is a story that explores the theme of passive resistance. The main character, Bartleby, is a scrivener who works for a lawyer on Wall Street. Throughout the story, Bartleby repeatedly utters the phrase “I would prefer not to” when asked to perform various tasks. This phrase is Bartleby’s way of passively resisting the demands of his employer and the society around him.
Bartleby’s passive resistance is a form of nonviolent protest that challenges the authority of his employer and the norms of society. By refusing to do what is expected of him, Bartleby is asserting his own autonomy and asserting his right to make his own choices. This is a powerful statement in a society that values conformity and obedience.
Despite the fact that Bartleby’s behavior is frustrating and confusing to his employer and those around him, it is clear that Bartleby’s passive resistance is an important part of his character. It is through his resistance that Bartleby is able to assert his own identity and challenge the status quo.
The Lawyer’s Role and Perspective
The Lawyer is the narrator of the story and the employer of Bartleby. He is a man of law, and his perspective on the world is shaped by his profession. He is used to dealing with people who follow the rules and respect authority. When Bartleby starts to defy his orders and refuses to do his job, the Lawyer is at a loss. He tries to reason with Bartleby and even offers him a new position, but nothing seems to work.
The Lawyer’s role in the story is to represent the authority that Bartleby is rebelling against. He is the embodiment of the capitalist system that Bartleby is rejecting. The Lawyer’s attempts to control Bartleby are futile, and he eventually gives up and moves his office to a new location.
The Lawyer’s perspective on the world is limited by his profession. He sees everything in terms of rules and regulations. He is unable to understand Bartleby’s refusal to work because it goes against everything he believes in. The Lawyer’s inability to understand Bartleby is a reflection of the larger societal issues that the story addresses.
Symbols and Motifs
In “Bartleby, the Scrivener,” Herman Melville employs various symbols and motifs to convey deeper meanings throughout the story.
One of the most prominent symbols in the story is the walls that divide the Lawyer’s office. The walls serve as a means to disconnect people and create boundaries. The ground-glass folding door that separates the two rooms in the office is an important symbol that represents the Lawyer’s attempt to distance himself from Bartleby, who he can’t understand or control.
Food is another important motif in the story. The Lawyer’s scriveners have food-related nicknames, such as Turkey and Ginger Nut. The references to food and drink throughout the story highlight the mundane and repetitive nature of the work that the scriveners do. It also emphasizes the Lawyer’s attempts to distract himself from the uncomfortable situation with Bartleby by indulging in food and drink.
The character of Bartleby himself is a symbol that represents the human condition. His repeated refusal to do his work and his famous phrase “I would prefer not to” can be interpreted as a commentary on the human tendency to resist conformity and authority. Bartleby’s refusal to work is also symbolic of the human struggle to find meaning and purpose in life.
Literary Significance and Criticism
“Bartleby, the Scrivener” has been widely studied and analyzed since its publication in 1853. It is considered a masterpiece of American literature, and its themes of alienation, individualism, and the dehumanizing effects of modern society continue to resonate with readers today.
Critics have praised Melville’s precise and deliberate prose style, which creates a sense of irony and detachment that underscores the story’s themes. The character of Bartleby, with his repeated refrain of “I would prefer not to,” has become an iconic figure in American literature, representing a challenge to authority and the status quo.
Some critics have interpreted the story as an allegory for Melville’s own struggles as a writer, while others have seen it as a commentary on the changing nature of work in the mid-19th century. Regardless of the interpretation, “Bartleby, the Scrivener” remains a powerful and thought-provoking work of literature that continues to captivate readers and scholars alike.
Comparisons to Other Melville Works
Bartleby, the Scrivener is a unique work in Herman Melville’s literary canon. While the majority of his works are set in open spaces, typically on the sea, Bartleby takes place in an enclosed domestic office. However, thematic echoes of Moby-Dick surface in Bartleby, as Bartleby’s affliction of passive resistance could perhaps be called a kind of madness similar to Captain Ahab’s obsession with the white whale.
In terms of writing style, Bartleby, the Scrivener is characterized by a precise and deliberate prose style. The narrative voice is both engaging and detached, creating a sense of irony and detachment that underscores the story’s themes of alienation and dehumanization. This is similar to Melville’s other works, such as Moby-Dick, which also features an engaging and detached narrative voice.
However, Bartleby, the Scrivener differs from Melville’s other works in its use of allegory. While Melville’s other works often have symbolic elements, Bartleby is a full-fledged allegory. The character Bartleby represents passive resistance, a concept that was gaining popularity at the time of the story’s publication. This makes Bartleby a unique work in Melville’s literary canon, and a fascinating exploration of a concept that was relevant to the social and political climate of the time.