“Bartleby, the Scrivener” is a short story written by Herman Melville in 1853. The story follows the life of a lawyer who hires a new scrivener named Bartleby. However, Bartleby’s strange behavior and refusal to do any work leads to a series of events that ultimately lead to his isolation and rebellion. This article will explore the themes of isolation and rebellion in Melville’s classic tale.
Background Information
Herman Melville’s “Bartleby, the Scrivener” is a short story published in 1853. The story is narrated by a lawyer who hires a new scrivener, Bartleby, to help with his workload. However, Bartleby’s behavior becomes increasingly strange and he eventually refuses to do any work at all, simply repeating the phrase “I would prefer not to” when asked to complete a task. The story explores themes of isolation, rebellion, and the dehumanizing effects of modern society. Melville’s writing style is known for its complexity and ambiguity, and “Bartleby, the Scrivener” is no exception. The story has been interpreted in a variety of ways, with some readers seeing it as a critique of capitalism and others as a commentary on the human condition.
Characters
The characters in “Bartleby, the Scrivener” are complex and intriguing. The protagonist, Bartleby, is a mysterious figure who refuses to do any work and simply replies with his famous phrase, “I would prefer not to.” The narrator, a lawyer who employs Bartleby, is equally fascinating as he struggles to understand and deal with Bartleby’s behavior. Other characters, such as Turkey and Nippers, provide comic relief and contrast to Bartleby’s stoic demeanor. Overall, the characters in this story are a reflection of the isolation and rebellion that can occur in modern society.
Plot Summary
The story of “Bartleby, the Scrivener” by Herman Melville follows the life of a successful lawyer who hires a new scrivener, Bartleby, to help with his growing workload. At first, Bartleby is a diligent worker, but soon he begins to refuse to do any tasks that he deems “preferable not to.” The lawyer tries to reason with Bartleby, but he remains stubborn and eventually stops working altogether, even refusing to leave the office. The lawyer is forced to move his business to a new location, leaving Bartleby behind. The story ends tragically with Bartleby’s death in prison, where he has been sent for refusing to leave the lawyer’s old office. The story is a commentary on the isolation and rebellion that can arise in modern society, and the consequences that can come from refusing to conform to societal norms.
Themes
One of the central themes in Herman Melville’s “Bartleby, the Scrivener” is isolation. The story follows the narrator, a successful lawyer, as he hires Bartleby, a quiet and unassuming scrivener, to work in his office. However, as the story progresses, Bartleby becomes increasingly withdrawn and refuses to do any work, leading to his eventual imprisonment and death. Throughout the story, Melville explores the idea of isolation and how it can lead to rebellion and ultimately, self-destruction. The character of Bartleby represents the ultimate form of isolation, as he withdraws completely from society and refuses to engage with the world around him. This theme of isolation is further emphasized by the setting of the story, which takes place in a cramped and claustrophobic office space. Overall, “Bartleby, the Scrivener” is a powerful exploration of the human condition and the dangers of isolation and rebellion.
Isolation
Isolation is a recurring theme in Herman Melville’s “Bartleby, the Scrivener.” The story follows the life of a scrivener named Bartleby who, after being hired by a lawyer, begins to exhibit strange behavior. He refuses to do any work other than copying documents and eventually stops working altogether, preferring to stare out the window instead. This behavior leads to his eventual isolation from society and his eventual death.
Bartleby’s isolation is not just physical but also emotional. He is unable to connect with anyone and seems to have no desire to do so. This is evident in his interactions with the other characters in the story, including the lawyer who hires him. Despite the lawyer’s attempts to befriend him, Bartleby remains distant and unresponsive.
The story also explores the theme of rebellion. Bartleby’s refusal to work and his eventual refusal to leave the lawyer’s office can be seen as acts of rebellion against society’s expectations. He is rejecting the idea that he must conform to the norms of society and instead chooses to live life on his own terms.
Overall, “Bartleby, the Scrivener” is a powerful exploration of isolation and rebellion. It forces readers to question the role of society in shaping our lives and the consequences of rejecting its expectations.
Rebellion
In “Bartleby, the Scrivener,” Herman Melville explores the theme of rebellion through the character of Bartleby, a scrivener who refuses to comply with the demands of his employer. Bartleby’s rebellion is not one of violence or aggression, but rather a passive resistance that ultimately leads to his downfall. Melville uses Bartleby’s character to comment on the nature of conformity and the consequences of nonconformity in society. Through Bartleby’s story, Melville challenges readers to question the value of individuality and the role of rebellion in shaping society.
Alienation
In “Bartleby, the Scrivener,” Herman Melville explores the theme of alienation through the character of Bartleby. Bartleby is a scrivener who works for a lawyer in New York City. He is a quiet and reserved man who prefers to do his work in solitude. However, as the story progresses, Bartleby becomes increasingly isolated from the rest of society. He refuses to do any work that he deems “unpleasant” and eventually stops working altogether. This leads to his eventual imprisonment and death.
Melville uses Bartleby’s character to highlight the dangers of alienation. Bartleby’s isolation from society leads to his mental breakdown and eventual death. He becomes so disconnected from the world around him that he is unable to function in it. This is a cautionary tale about the dangers of withdrawing from society and the importance of human connection.
Overall, “Bartleby, the Scrivener” is a powerful exploration of the theme of alienation. Melville’s use of Bartleby’s character to illustrate the dangers of isolation is both poignant and thought-provoking. This story serves as a reminder that we all need human connection and that withdrawing from society can have dire consequences.
Existentialism
Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes individual freedom and choice. It is a way of thinking that focuses on the individual’s experience of existence and the meaning of life. In Herman Melville’s “Bartleby, the Scrivener,” the protagonist, Bartleby, embodies the existentialist philosophy. He is a man who chooses to isolate himself from society and rebel against the expectations placed upon him. Bartleby’s refusal to conform to the norms of society is a reflection of the existentialist belief that individuals must create their own meaning in life. His actions challenge the idea that there is a predetermined path that one must follow in order to be successful and happy. Instead, Bartleby’s rebellion suggests that individuals have the power to shape their own destiny and find their own purpose in life. The story of “Bartleby, the Scrivener” is a powerful example of the existentialist philosophy and the importance of individual freedom and choice.
Symbolism
Symbolism plays a significant role in Herman Melville’s “Bartleby, the Scrivener.” The story is filled with various symbols that add depth and meaning to the narrative. One of the most prominent symbols in the story is the office itself. The office represents the world of work and the capitalist society that Bartleby rebels against. The office is described as a “dead wall” and a “hermitage,” which suggests that it is a place of isolation and confinement. This is significant because Bartleby’s refusal to work and his eventual death can be seen as a rejection of the capitalist system that values productivity and efficiency above all else. Another important symbol in the story is Bartleby’s famous phrase, “I would prefer not to.” This phrase represents Bartleby’s passive resistance and his refusal to conform to the demands of his boss and society. It also suggests that Bartleby is not simply lazy or uncooperative, but rather that he is making a conscious choice to resist the system that oppresses him. Overall, the symbolism in “Bartleby, the Scrivener” adds depth and complexity to the story, and helps to convey the themes of isolation and rebellion that are at its core.
Irony
Irony is a prominent literary device used in Herman Melville’s “Bartleby, the Scrivener.” The story is filled with instances of situational irony, where the opposite of what is expected occurs. For example, the narrator hires Bartleby to be a scrivener, expecting him to be a diligent worker. However, Bartleby’s refusal to do any work is the complete opposite of what the narrator anticipated.
Another example of irony in the story is the narrator’s attempt to help Bartleby. The narrator offers to let Bartleby stay in his office, but Bartleby’s response is to continue his passive resistance and refuse to leave. The narrator’s attempts to help Bartleby only lead to more frustration and confusion.
The ultimate irony in the story is Bartleby’s death. Throughout the story, Bartleby is portrayed as a passive and non-threatening character. However, his death is sudden and violent, which is the complete opposite of his character. The irony of Bartleby’s death highlights the theme of isolation and rebellion in the story.
Overall, the use of irony in “Bartleby, the Scrivener” adds depth and complexity to the story. It highlights the unexpected and unpredictable nature of human behavior and emphasizes the themes of isolation and rebellion.
Narrative Style
Herman Melville’s “Bartleby, the Scrivener” is a unique tale that is told in a narrative style that is both intriguing and thought-provoking. The story is narrated by an unnamed lawyer who hires Bartleby, a scrivener, to work in his law office. The narrative style is characterized by the lawyer’s detailed descriptions of his interactions with Bartleby and the events that unfold in the office. The lawyer’s narration is objective and detached, which adds to the overall sense of isolation and detachment that permeates the story. Melville’s use of this narrative style allows the reader to experience the story through the eyes of the lawyer, who is both a participant and an observer in the events that unfold. This narrative style also allows Melville to explore themes of isolation, rebellion, and the human condition in a unique and compelling way. Overall, the narrative style of “Bartleby, the Scrivener” is an essential element of the story’s success, as it allows Melville to create a powerful and thought-provoking tale that continues to resonate with readers today.
Setting
The setting of “Bartleby, the Scrivener” is a law office on Wall Street in New York City during the mid-19th century. The office is described as being “a large, lofty room, light and airy, with a dim, dusty, leaden-hued sort of light.” The narrator, a lawyer, describes the office as being “a quiet, subdued sort of place” where he and his three other employees work diligently. However, the arrival of Bartleby, a new scrivener, disrupts the peaceful atmosphere of the office. Bartleby’s refusal to do any work other than copying documents leads to tension and conflict between him and the other employees. The setting of the law office serves as a backdrop for the isolation and rebellion that Bartleby experiences throughout the story.
Conflict
The conflict in “Bartleby, the Scrivener” is multi-layered and complex. At its core, it is a conflict between Bartleby and his employer, the narrator. Bartleby’s refusal to do his work and his repeated refrain of “I would prefer not to” creates tension and frustration for the narrator, who cannot understand or control Bartleby’s behavior. This conflict is further complicated by the fact that Bartleby is a symbol of isolation and rebellion, representing a challenge to the norms and expectations of society. As the story progresses, the conflict between Bartleby and the narrator escalates, leading to a tragic and unexpected conclusion. Ultimately, “Bartleby, the Scrivener” is a powerful exploration of the human condition, and the ways in which we struggle to connect with one another in a world that often seems indifferent to our needs and desires.
Motifs
One of the most prominent motifs in “Bartleby, the Scrivener” is the idea of isolation. Throughout the story, the narrator describes Bartleby as being “alone” and “solitary,” both physically and emotionally. This isolation is further emphasized by Bartleby’s refusal to engage with the other characters in the story, even when they try to reach out to him.
Another important motif in the story is rebellion. Bartleby’s refusal to do his work and his repeated statement of “I would prefer not to” can be seen as a form of rebellion against the expectations placed upon him by society. This rebellion is further emphasized by the fact that Bartleby is ultimately punished for his refusal to conform, as he is sent to prison and eventually dies.
Together, these motifs of isolation and rebellion create a powerful commentary on the human condition and the struggle for individuality in a society that often values conformity above all else.
Philosophical Ideas
In Herman Melville’s “Bartleby, the Scrivener,” the titular character’s refusal to comply with the demands of his employer raises philosophical questions about the nature of individual autonomy and the role of society in shaping our behavior. Bartleby’s repeated refrain of “I would prefer not to” challenges the assumption that we are obligated to follow the rules and expectations of those in positions of authority. At the same time, his isolation from the rest of the world suggests the potential dangers of rejecting social norms altogether. As readers, we are left to grapple with the tension between the desire for personal freedom and the need for social cohesion.
Criticism of Society
In Herman Melville’s “Bartleby, the Scrivener,” the author presents a scathing criticism of society and its treatment of individuals. The story follows the life of a scrivener named Bartleby, who, after being hired by a lawyer, begins to exhibit strange behavior, eventually refusing to do any work at all. The lawyer, unable to understand Bartleby’s behavior, tries to help him, but ultimately fails, leading to Bartleby’s tragic demise.
Melville uses Bartleby’s character to highlight the dehumanizing effects of modern society. Bartleby is a man who has been reduced to a mere machine, forced to perform repetitive tasks day in and day out. He is treated as a disposable asset, easily replaced by another scrivener if he fails to meet the lawyer’s expectations. This treatment of Bartleby is a reflection of the way society treats individuals, reducing them to mere cogs in a machine, easily replaceable and disposable.
Furthermore, Melville’s portrayal of Bartleby’s isolation and rebellion against society highlights the alienation that many individuals feel in modern society. Bartleby’s refusal to work is not just a sign of his mental breakdown, but also a rebellion against the oppressive nature of society. He is a man who has been pushed to the brink by the dehumanizing effects of modern life, and his refusal to work is a way of asserting his humanity and individuality.
In conclusion, “Bartleby, the Scrivener” is a powerful critique of modern society and its treatment of individuals. Melville’s portrayal of Bartleby’s isolation and rebellion highlights the dehumanizing effects of modern life and the alienation that many individuals feel. The story serves as a warning against the dangers of reducing individuals to mere machines and the importance of recognizing and valuing the humanity and individuality of every person.
Power Dynamics
In “Bartleby, the Scrivener,” Herman Melville explores the power dynamics between employer and employee, and the consequences of rebellion against authority. The story follows the narrator, a successful lawyer, and his new employee, Bartleby, who initially appears to be a diligent worker. However, as the story progresses, Bartleby’s refusal to comply with the narrator’s requests and his passive resistance to authority lead to a breakdown in the power dynamic between the two characters. The narrator’s attempts to assert his authority over Bartleby only serve to further isolate him from his other employees and society as a whole. Ultimately, the story raises questions about the nature of power and the consequences of rebellion against authority.
Religious Imagery
In Herman Melville’s “Bartleby, the Scrivener,” religious imagery is used to highlight the themes of isolation and rebellion. The narrator, a lawyer, describes Bartleby as a “pale, forlorn creature” who seems to have “fallen from the moon.” This description evokes the image of an angel, a celestial being who has been cast out of heaven. Bartleby’s refusal to do his work and his repeated refrain of “I would prefer not to” also suggest a kind of religious rebellion, a refusal to conform to the expectations of society. The lawyer, on the other hand, is described as a “devout man” who is “regularly at his church.” This contrast between the two characters highlights the tension between conformity and rebellion, between the demands of society and the desire for individual freedom. Ultimately, the religious imagery in “Bartleby, the Scrivener” serves to deepen the themes of isolation and rebellion, and to suggest that these themes are not just personal, but also have broader social and cultural implications.
Impact and Legacy
The impact and legacy of Herman Melville’s “Bartleby, the Scrivener” is significant in the literary world. The story has been analyzed and interpreted in various ways, with many scholars considering it a commentary on the dehumanizing effects of capitalism and the struggle for individualism in a conformist society. The character of Bartleby has become a symbol of resistance and rebellion against oppressive systems, inspiring countless works of literature and art. The story’s themes of isolation, alienation, and the search for meaning in a world that values conformity over individuality continue to resonate with readers today. “Bartleby, the Scrivener” remains a timeless classic that challenges readers to question the status quo and embrace their own unique identities.