![]() ![]() Is there a difference between stating one’s preferences (negatively or positively) and imposing one’s will? Does “I would prefer not to” differ from “I will not”?.Why does Bartleby “prefer not to” do more and more actions as the story progresses?.What does Bartleby’s strange appearance suggest about his attitude toward other people? Toward work or activity, in general? Toward the world?.How should we regard Bartleby’s responses to the lawyer?.To the lawyer, he gradually appears more and more like a “ghost,” an “apparition,” and a “cadaver.” He becomes more and more passive, gradually withdrawing more and more into his “hermitage,” his “dead-wall reveries,” and himself. We watch as Bartleby’s responses-almost all negative preferences, stated mildly but firmly and without anger or impatience-gradually extend from preferring not to proofread, then to copying anything, then to doing any tasks or activities whatsoever, even eating. But when Bartleby is asked, on the third day of his employment, to help proofread a document, he says, “I would prefer not to.” And, after twenty-plus other requests, Bartleby makes twenty-plus similar replies. “It is, of course,” the lawyer/narrator explains, “an indispensable part of a scrivener’s business to verify the accuracy of his copy, word by word.” And, as we soon learn, “common usage and common sense” require copyists to assist, as well, in the proofreading of others’ copy, and to help out with other office tasks. WATCH: What is the work of a scrivener? What is Bartleby and the lawyer’s relationship with letters? Bartleby’s Conduct with the Lawyer What would it be like to work in such an office? WATCH: What is the lawyer like? What are his employees like? ![]() The lawyer’s office and general surroundings-what are they like?įocusing now on the “advent” of Bartleby describe:ĭescribe the work quarters he has been given. What do the attitudes and ways of his scriveners tell us about the lawyer as an employer? As a human being?.The employés, i.e., the two scriveners, Turkey and Nippers, and the office boy, Ginger Nut-what are they like? Why doesn’t the lawyer tell us his name?.He describes the position as “not a very arduous office, but very pleasantly remunerative.” What do we learn about the lawyer from his description of this office? Why is he so angry when the position is eliminated? The narrator is working as the Master of Chancery, a government office, when the story begins.What do we learn about the narrator from his mention of Astor? Why is he so proud of the connection? The narrator mentions three times his friendship with John Jacob Astor, the United States’ first multi-millionaire who made his fortune through fur-trading and smuggling opium.What do you make of his “profound conviction” that the easiest life is the best? Is the lawyer an ambitious man? What sort of business does he run?.What does it mean to be considered by others as “an eminently safe man?”.The CharactersĮarly in the story, the narrator/lawyer says: “Ere introducing the scrivener (i.e., Bartleby), as he first appeared to me, it is fit I make some mention of myself, my employés, my business, my chambers, and general surroundings because some such description is indispensable to an adequate understanding of the chief character about to be presented.” Following this lead, and limiting ourselves to the first five pages of the story, look at each in turn: We conclude this section by attending to the story’s short coda. So, we will proceed slowly, starting with what we learn of the characters, and then, moving to the heart of story, the relation between Bartleby and the lawyer. Unlike its basic plot, the story’s meaning and implications are far from simple. These videos are meant to raise additional questions and augment discussion, not replace it.Ībout the Author | Summary | Read the Story Thinking about the Story Kass, and Diana Schaub converse with guest host Wilfred McClay about the story. After discussing or thinking about these questions, click on the videos to hear editors Amy A. THE SCRIVENER SERIESTo help you understand the story and its wider significance, there are a series of questions for reflection. ![]() Directions: This Launchpad, adapted from provides background materials and discussion questions to enhance your reading and understanding of Herman Melville’s short story “Bartleby, the Scrivener.” After reading the background, turn to read the story itself. ![]()
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