Bartleby, the Scrivener

“Bartleby, the Scrivener” by Herman Melville stands as one of Melville’s last works of fiction, published amid his growing despondency due to ongoing critical neglect following the reception of “Moby-Dick”. This story marks a significant point in Melville’s career before he ceased publishing fiction.
 


 
Summary of Bartleby, the Scrivener: Melville’s narrative revolves around the enigmatic character of Bartleby, an odd and inscrutable scrivener who works in a law office, whose perplexing actions confound those around him.
 
Analysis of Bartleby, the Scrivener: The tale delves into themes of individuality, passive resistance, and the challenges of understanding the human psyche, inviting readers to contemplate the complexities of human behavior.
 
Characters in Bartleby, the Scrivener: The story primarily focuses on Bartleby and the perplexing impact of his refusal to conform to societal norms, affecting the lives and perceptions of those around him.
 
Main Plot of Bartleby, the Scrivener: Melville’s narrative centers on Bartleby’s passive resistance, as his repetitive response of “I would prefer not to” disrupts the workplace, sparking intrigue and concern.
 
Major Themes in Bartleby, the Scrivener: The story touches on themes of isolation, individual autonomy, the dehumanizing nature of work, and the complexities of human behavior, provoking introspection in readers.
 
Genre and Impact of Bartleby, the Scrivener: As a seminal work of short fiction, “Bartleby, the Scrivener” holds a unique place in literature for its exploration of existential themes and the complexities of human nature.
 
Author’s Legacy with Bartleby, the Scrivener: Melville’s poignant storytelling in “Bartleby, the Scrivener” cements his reputation as a writer delving into profound explorations of human psychology and societal norms.