Summary of Bartleby the Scrivener: an Academic Analysis

Introduction

"Bartleby, the Scrivener: A Story of Wall Street" is a novella by Herman Melville. It dives into themes like isolation, individuality, and how modern capitalism can really wear people down. It first came out in 1853 and is told from the perspective of a lawyer who runs a practice on Wall Street. The story revolves around Bartleby, a scrivener hired by this lawyer. Bartleby's quiet defiance and eventual retreat from society serve as a powerful critique of the capitalist work environment.

This essay aims to give a detailed summary of Melville's work, focusing on key events and themes that make "Bartleby, the Scrivener" a standout piece of American literature.

Bartleby's Passive Refusal

Themes and Relevance

The story takes place in the busy financial district of Wall Street, New York. The narrator, a lawyer who sees himself as practical and not too ambitious, has four employees: Turkey, Nippers, Ginger Nut, and eventually Bartleby. Turkey and Nippers are the main scriveners. Turkey is good in the morning but sloppy in the afternoon, while Nippers is grumpy in the morning and more efficient later in the day. Ginger Nut, a twelve-year-old boy, runs errands and does small tasks. When Bartleby joins, he throws this fragile balance off.

At first, Bartleby impresses the lawyer with how hardworking and precise he is. But soon, he starts refusing tasks with the simple phrase, "I would prefer not to." This passive refusal confuses the lawyer and his staff. It starts with small tasks like proofreading and soon grows into Bartleby not doing anything at all. Even though he's not cooperating, Bartleby stays in the office, causing more and more tension.

The lawyer is stuck in a tough spot as Bartleby gets more stubborn. He tries to talk to Bartleby and even offers him money to leave, but Bartleby won’t budge. The lawyer has to juggle keeping his office running smoothly while dealing with his feelings of compassion and responsibility toward Bartleby. This situation shows how the capitalist workplace can sometimes dehumanize people, where getting things done is more important than individual well-being.

As Bartleby’s behavior becomes more problematic, the lawyer decides to move his office to avoid dealing with him. But Bartleby stays in the old office building, now alone and isolated. The new tenants eventually have Bartleby arrested for loitering. The lawyer visits him in jail and finds him in a terrible state. Bartleby’s passive resistance leads to his death because he refuses to eat, eventually starving himself.

"Bartleby, the Scrivener" tackles several themes that are still relevant today. Bartleby’s isolation and alienation show the dehumanizing effects of modern capitalism. His passive resistance is like a silent protest against a system that values work over people. The lawyer’s struggle between his job and his morals highlights the ethical issues people in power often face. Bartleby’s decline and death remind us of what can happen when society neglects individuals and the importance of showing compassion.

Conclusion

To wrap it up, Herman Melville's "Bartleby, the Scrivener" offers a deep look into the capitalist workplace and its impact on people’s identity and well-being. Through Bartleby, Melville explores themes of isolation, passive resistance, and the moral dilemmas faced by those in charge. The story's lasting relevance comes from its ability to make us think about the human cost of always chasing productivity and the need for empathy in our interactions. As a key work of American literature, "Bartleby, the Scrivener" continues to engage readers and spark discussions about the complexities of modern society.

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