Bartleby
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Have you ever noticed that one person whos fascinatingly different and impossible to figure out? In Bartleby the Scrivener by Herman Melville, the main Bartleby is just that. Set in a law office on Wall Street, Bartleby the Scrivener tells the story of an employee, who at first is eager and enthusiastic to partake in the work at the law firm, but gradually declines the work set forth in front of him simply claiming he “prefers not to.” Bartlebys odd behavior upsets but fascinates the narrator and he cant stand to fire him; instead he allows Bartlebys conduct to go on and even offers an invitation for Bartleby to live with him. Bartleby refuses any offer; his peculiar actions eventually wind him up in prison. The story brings up strong feelings of curiosity within in the reader. What causes a man to have such a strong split personality? Have any past events influenced the character in any way? Bartlebys behavior has both a captivating and bothersome effect not only on the narrator, but on the reader as well.
Bartlebys first opposition to doing his required work shocks the narrator and reader as well. In charge of a quite mediocre law firm, the narrator has grown attached to two men, Turkey and Ginger Nut, who do the work of half a man each; but cannot bring himself to firing them. The narrator is enthused and reluctant to acquire a new and hardworking employee, Bartleby who at the beginning exhibited, “an extraordinary quantity of writing.” On the third day of work out of nowhere Bartleby calmly and politely refuses to examine a document which stuns the narrator; “I sat there in perfect silence, rallying my stunned faculties.” Bartlebys prior actions to this point had to way of giving reason for his refusal. The narrator has no choice but to dismiss the characters unusual actions as does the reader.
Bartlebys unusual actions do not just stop there however; he gradually displays progressively confusing and aggravating manners. The character begins to refuse any sort of work and sets him in a gloomy stillness in the office “Why do you refuse?” The narrator asks furiously. Bartleby has no legitimate