Bartleby, the Scrivener

Bartleby, the Scrivener: A Story of Wall Street is a short story by the American writer Herman Melville, first serialized anonymously in two parts in the Putnam's Magazine in 1853 and subsequently reprinted with minor textual alterations in his The Piazza Tales in 1856. Often considered one of Melville's best-known and most enigmatic works, Bartleby, the Scrivener explores themes of isolation, freedom, and the nature of employment through the peculiar character of Bartleby, a scrivener who eventually refuses to do any work, responding only with "I would prefer not to."

Plot Summary

The story is narrated by an unnamed lawyer who runs a law practice on Wall Street in New York City. He employs two scriveners, Nippers and Turkey, to copy legal documents by hand. Seeking to increase his staff, he hires a third scrivener, Bartleby. Initially, Bartleby is a diligent worker, but he soon begins to refuse his tasks with his constant polite refusal, "I would prefer not to." Despite the narrator's efforts to understand and help Bartleby, the scrivener does not divulge any personal information or reasons for his noncompliance. Bartleby's passive resistance and mysterious behavior lead to a series of conflicts and ultimately his tragic end.

Themes and Analysis

Bartleby, the Scrivener delves into various themes such as the dehumanization of workers, the incomprehensibility of human motives, and the bleakness of the modern workplace. Melville's use of a Wall Street law office as the setting underscores the story's critique of capitalism and its impact on the human spirit. Bartleby's refusal to conform to societal expectations and his ultimate withdrawal from the world can be interpreted as a protest against the soulless routine of clerical work and, by extension, the condition of modern man.

The character of Bartleby has been variously interpreted as a representation of passive resistance, existential despair, or the plight of the individual in a conformist society. The narrator's complex relationship with Bartleby highlights themes of alienation and the failure of communication, which are central to the story's enduring appeal and relevance.

Legacy

Bartleby, the Scrivener has had a significant impact on American literature and has been the subject of extensive critical analysis. It has influenced numerous writers and has been adapted into various media, including theatre, film, and opera. The phrase "I would prefer not to" has entered the lexicon as a symbol of passive resistance and individualism.

The story's exploration of themes such as work, freedom, and the human condition continues to resonate with readers and scholars, making it a timeless piece of American literature.

See Also

• Herman Melville
• American literature
• Short story
• Existentialism