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Bartleby, the Scrivener: A Tale of Wall Street and the Human Condition

Colin Foster

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Herman Melville's "Bartleby, the Scrivener" is a haunting and enigmatic short story that explores the themes of alienation, isolation, and the human condition. Set in the bustling financial district of Wall Street in the mid-19th century, the story follows the titular character, a mysterious and enigmatic copyist who refuses to perform any work other than copying. His enigmatic behavior and refusal to conform to the expectations of his employer and society at large lead to his eventual downfall.

The story opens with the narrator, a lawyer, describing his new employee, Bartleby. Bartleby is a pale, thin man with a vacant expression and a strange habit of staring out the window. He is a skilled copyist, but he refuses to do any other work, such as errands or filing. The narrator is initially amused by Bartleby's eccentricities, but he soon grows frustrated with his refusal to work. He tries to reason with Bartleby, but Bartleby simply replies, "I would prefer not to."

Bartleby, The Scrivener: A Story of Wall-Street

by Herman Melville

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
File size	:	742 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	42 pages

As Bartleby's refusal to work continues, the narrator's frustration turns to anger. He threatens to fire Bartleby, but Bartleby simply replies, "I would prefer not to leave." The narrator is unable to fire Bartleby, and he eventually gives up trying to make him work. Bartleby becomes a fixture in the office, a silent and enigmatic figure who haunts the narrator's thoughts.

The narrator eventually moves his office to another location, but Bartleby refuses to leave. He continues to sit in the old office, staring out the window. The narrator visits Bartleby every day, bringing him food and money. Bartleby accepts the food and money, but he never speaks. One day, the narrator finds Bartleby dead in the office, still sitting at his desk, staring out the window.

"Bartleby, the Scrivener" is a complex and multi-layered story that has been interpreted in many different ways. Some critics see Bartleby as a symbol of the alienated individual in a modern, industrialized society. Others see him as a Christ-like figure, a martyr who refuses to conform to the world's expectations. Still others see him as a symbol of the human condition, a reminder that we are all ultimately alone and facing the void.

Whatever interpretation one chooses, "Bartleby, the Scrivener" is a powerful and haunting story that stays with the reader long after they have finished reading it. It is a story that explores the depths of the human condition, and it raises questions about the nature of work, identity, and meaning in life.

Characters

Bartleby: The titular character, a mysterious and enigmatic copyist who refuses to perform any work other than copying.
The narrator: A lawyer who hires Bartleby and becomes increasingly frustrated with his refusal to work.
Turkey: A fellow copyist who befriends Bartleby.
Nippers: A law clerk who is initially amused by Bartleby's eccentricities, but eventually grows to resent him.

Themes

Alienation: Bartleby is a deeply alienated individual who feels disconnected from society and from himself.
Isolation: Bartleby is physically and emotionally isolated from the other characters in the story.
The human condition: "Bartleby, the Scrivener" explores the universal human themes of loneliness, suffering, and death.

Symbolism

The window: The window is a symbol of Bartleby's isolation and his longing for escape.
The dead letter office: The dead letter office is a symbol of Bartleby's own deadness and his inability to communicate with the outside world.
The narrator's move to another office: The narrator's move to another office is a symbol of his attempt to escape from Bartleby and from the existential questions that Bartleby raises.

Critical reception

"Bartleby, the Scrivener" has been praised by critics for its psychological depth, its exploration of the human condition, and its use of symbolism. The story has been adapted into several films and stage plays, and it continues to be studied and discussed by scholars and literary enthusiasts alike.

"Bartleby, the Scrivener" is a classic American short story that has captivated readers for generations. It is a story that explores the depths of the human condition and raises questions about the nature of work, identity, and meaning in life.

Bartleby, The Scrivener: A Story of Wall-Street

by Herman Melville

4.3 out of 5