Bartleby the Scrivener Summary: A Deep Dive into Melville’s Masterpiece

Introduction:

What happens when someone refuses to conform to society’s expectations without explanation? Bartleby the Scrivener, Herman Melville’s powerful short story, delves into this question through the enigmatic character of Bartleby, a scrivener who silently resists the demands of his workplace.

This Bartleby the Scrivener Summary explores themes of alienation, passive resistance, and the struggle to understand the human condition.

Through the narrator’s attempts to assist Bartleby, Melville paints a poignant picture of how society dehumanizes individuals and the limits of empathy in addressing others’ pain.

Quick Summary – TL;DR

• Key Insights:

  • Bartleby the Scrivener explores themes of passive resistance, alienation, and the dehumanization of work.

  • Bartleby’s refusal to conform challenges societal expectations and highlights the struggle for individuality.

  • The story critiques management failure and the limits of empathy in addressing others’ suffering.

• Recommendation:
  A must-read for those interested in psychological fiction, existential themes, and critiques of society.

• Quick Pros and Cons:

  • Pros: Thought-provoking themes, psychological depth, and literary significance.

  • Cons: Bartleby’s passive nature may frustrate readers seeking a more action-driven narrative.

About the Author: Herman Melville

Herman Melville (1819–1891) was an American novelist, short story writer, and poet best known for his masterpiece, Moby-Dick. Born in New York City, Melville’s early life was marked by adventures at sea, which greatly influenced his writing. His works often explore complex themes such as the nature of good and evil, social isolation, and the human condition.

Although Moby-Dick was not widely appreciated during his lifetime, Melville’s work, particularly Bartleby, the Scrivener, has since been recognized for its profound literary and philosophical insights. Melville’s influence on American literature continues to be celebrated today.

Bartleby the Scrivener Summary & Analysis & Review

Herman Melville’s “Bartleby, the Scrivener: A Story of Wall Street” tells the story of an elderly lawyer in New York City who hires a scrivener named Bartleby. Initially, Bartleby works diligently, impressing his employer, but soon, he begins to respond to simple requests with the phrase, “I would prefer not to.” Over time, Bartleby refuses to perform any work, becoming more withdrawn and isolating himself from his colleagues and employer.

As Bartleby’s passive resistance continues, the lawyer feels a mix of frustration and pity for him. Despite Bartleby’s refusal to cooperate, the lawyer is reluctant to fire him. Eventually, the lawyer relocates his office, but Bartleby refuses to leave, and he is arrested for vagrancy. The lawyer visits him in prison, but Bartleby refuses to eat and dies from starvation.

The story explores themes of isolation, passive resistance, and communication failure. Bartleby’s enigmatic behavior and refusal to conform represent a critique of the dehumanizing conditions of work. His tragic end highlights the consequences of complete detachment from society. The lawyer’s internal struggle with empathy, pity, and frustration adds depth to the story, making it a reflection on the human condition and personal responsibility.

Why You Should Read Bartleby the Scrivener:

“Bartleby, the Scrivener” is a powerful exploration of individualism, conformity, and the struggles of personal interaction in an oppressive work environment. Melville’s concise, yet impactful writing invites readers to reflect on the limits of empathy and the consequences of isolation in a rapidly mechanizing society.

Bartleby The Scrivener Summary & Plot Summary

The Introduction of the Narrator and Setting

The story is narrated by an unnamed elderly lawyer who works in a Wall Street office. His practice involves copying legal documents and making a comfortable living with his small staff. The office is described as cramped and unremarkable, with a view of a brick wall that reflects the monotonous and isolating nature of the work. The narrator is content with his life but does not seek out ambition or excitement. His passive approach to life and work becomes important as he encounters Bartleby.

Bartleby’s Arrival

The narrator hires Bartleby as an additional scrivener due to an increase in business. Bartleby is described as “pallidly neat” and “pitiably respectable,” and his appearance contrasts with his behavior. Initially, Bartleby is highly productive, churning out work at a rapid pace without taking breaks. His quiet, focused demeanor seems to have a positive influence on the other workers in the office.

The First Signs of Resistance

However, the situation takes a turn when Bartleby refuses to perform a simple task: proofreading a document. He responds to the narrator’s request with the now-famous phrase, “I would prefer not to.” This passive refusal begins a chain of events in which Bartleby increasingly resists the demands of the workplace. His once efficient work ethic deteriorates, and he begins to withdraw into a passive state, spending his days staring at the brick wall outside his window.

Escalating Resistance and Isolation

As Bartleby’s resistance grows, the narrator becomes perplexed and frustrated. His attempts to engage with Bartleby and understand his behavior only lead to more refusals, all answered with “I would prefer not to.” Bartleby’s refusal to work and his increasing isolation in the office cause concern among the other workers and disrupt the office’s functioning. Despite feeling pity for Bartleby’s situation, the narrator cannot figure out how to help him.

Bartleby’s Secret Life

The narrator eventually discovers that Bartleby has been living in the office, spending his nights there. This revelation leads the narrator to feel even more sympathy for Bartleby, but he is still unable to understand the depth of his employee’s issues. Bartleby continues to resist any attempt to move him out of the office, leading to a situation where the narrator feels trapped by the very person he once sought to help.

The Final Moments and Bartleby’s Fate

The narrator, unable to resolve the situation, relocates his office. However, Bartleby refuses to leave the old office building and remains there, sitting on the stairs. Eventually, Bartleby is arrested for vagrancy and sent to the Tombs, a prison in Manhattan. The narrator visits Bartleby in prison out of a sense of pity and attempts to offer him food, but Bartleby refuses it, repeating his now familiar “I would prefer not to.” Bartleby dies of starvation, a tragic end that reflects his complete withdrawal from the world.

The Revelation of Bartleby’s Past

After Bartleby’s death, the narrator learns that he had once worked in the Dead Letter Office in Washington D.C. This revelation provides some insight into Bartleby’s despair. The Dead Letter Office is a place where undeliverable mail is processed—letters that never reach their intended recipients. The narrator speculates that Bartleby’s work in such a depressing environment may have contributed to his isolation and eventual breakdown.

Main Characters

Bartleby

Bartleby is the central figure of the story. His passive resistance, embodied in the phrase “I would prefer not to,” serves as a challenge to societal norms and expectations. His refusal to participate in the work process and his eventual detachment from life represent themes of alienation, passive protest, and the limits of human understanding.

The Narrator

The unnamed narrator serves as both the storyteller and a character in the narrative. He is an unambitious lawyer who initially seeks to help Bartleby but struggles with his inability to understand or assist him. The narrator’s internal conflict and his attempts to balance empathy with frustration form the psychological core of the story.

Turkey, Nippers, and Ginger Nut

Turkey, Nippers, and Ginger Nut are the other employees in the office. Turkey is an elderly scrivener who works well in the morning but struggles with alcohol-induced inefficiency in the afternoon. Nippers is a younger man who suffers from indigestion, making him irritable, while Ginger Nut is a young office boy tasked with running errands. These characters add depth to the office setting, highlighting the routine and limitations of the workplace.

Themes & Analysis

Passive Resistance and Nonconformity

Bartleby’s repeated phrase “I would prefer not to” is a powerful form of passive resistance. His refusal to participate in the prescribed actions of his workplace challenges the authority of the narrator and the expectations of society. It serves as a subtle yet potent protest against the mechanization of human existence.

Isolation and Alienation

The theme of isolation runs throughout the story. Bartleby is physically isolated by the partition around his desk, and his emotional withdrawal further separates him from his colleagues and society. His detachment from the world around him reflects broader themes of alienation and the human condition. The metaphorical “wall” that Bartleby stares at symbolizes his emotional and psychological separation from the world.

The Human Condition and Empathy

The narrator’s struggle to understand Bartleby’s behavior reflects the complexities of human relationships. Despite his empathy and desire to help, the narrator is ultimately unable to comprehend Bartleby’s motivations. This failure to understand and address Bartleby’s suffering speaks to the limitations of empathy in the face of deep isolation and despair.

Workplace Dehumanization and Critique of Labor

The story critiques the dehumanizing nature of work, especially in the context of 19th-century office labor. Bartleby’s passive resistance can be seen as a reaction to the monotonous and soul-crushing nature of copying documents. The story highlights the disconnect between the workers and the society that exploits their labor, as well as the toll such work takes on their well-being.

The Limits of Management and Leadership

The narrator’s failure to address the issues within his office reflects a larger critique of management and leadership. His reluctance to confront the problems Bartleby presents, coupled with his passive acceptance of the situation, reveals the narrator’s inability to make meaningful changes. This failure points to the larger issue of neglecting the well-being of individuals in favor of maintaining a comfortable and uneventful life.

FAQ:

1. What is the main theme of Bartleby the Scrivener?

   • The main theme of Bartleby the Scrivener is passive resistance, focusing on Bartleby’s refusal to conform to societal and workplace expectations. This leads to his isolation and eventual demise, reflecting the dehumanizing effects of societal structures.

2. Is Bartleby the Scrivener worth reading?

   • Yes, Bartleby the Scrivener is considered a classic of American literature. Its exploration of themes such as alienation, nonconformity, and empathy makes it a thought-provoking and timeless read.

3. What does Bartleby’s phrase “I would prefer not to” mean?

   • Bartleby’s phrase, “I would prefer not to,” is a subtle form of passive resistance. It’s not an outright refusal, but an expression of his preference not to participate in the tasks assigned to him, challenging societal and workplace expectations.

4. Who is the narrator of Bartleby the Scrivener?

   • The narrator is an unnamed elderly lawyer who employs Bartleby in his office. He serves as the story’s protagonist, reflecting on his experiences with Bartleby and attempting to understand his behavior.

5. What happens to Bartleby in the end?

   • In the end, Bartleby is arrested for vagrancy and sent to prison, where he dies of starvation. His tragic end highlights the story’s themes of isolation, alienation, and the consequences of passive resistance.

6. What does Bartleby’s past reveal about his character?

   • Bartleby’s previous work at the Dead Letter Office, where he dealt with undeliverable mail, symbolizes his disconnection from society. This job, which involves dealing with lost opportunities and unfulfilled communications, likely contributed to his emotional withdrawal and eventual breakdown.

7. What can we learn from Bartleby the Scrivener?

   • Bartleby the Scrivener offers important lessons about empathy, the human condition, and the limitations of understanding others. It also critiques the dehumanizing effects of monotonous work and the failure of leadership to address the needs of individuals.

Thought-Provoking Quotes from Bartleby the Scrivener

1. The Iconic Refusal

“I would prefer not to.”

2. On Misery and Visibility

“Ah, happiness courts the light so we deem the world is gay. But misery hides aloof so we deem that misery there is none.”

3. The Human Condition

“Ah, Bartleby! Ah, humanity!”

4. On Passive Resistance

“Nothing so aggravates an earnest person as a passive resistance.”

5. The Limits of Pity

“To a sensitive being, pity is not seldom pain.”

6. On Hopelessness

“They err who would assert that invariably this is owing to the inherent selfishness of the human heart. It rather proceeds from a certain hopelessness of remedying excessive and organic ill.”

7. The Fragility of Resolve

“The constant friction of illiberal minds wears out at last the best resolves of the more generous.”

8. On Reason and Sanity

“At present I would prefer not to be a little reasonable.”

9. The Dead Letter Office

“Bartleby had been a subordinate clerk in the Dead Letter Office at Washington… When I think over this rumor, I cannot adequately express the emotions which seize me.”

10. On Existential Despair

“I am a man who, from his youth upwards, has been filled with a profound conviction that the easiest way of life is the best.”

Conclusion:

Bartleby The Scrivener Summary: A Tale of Isolation and Rebellion

Bartleby the Scrivener remains a haunting exploration of passive resistance and the complexities of the human condition. Through the enigmatic figure of Bartleby, Melville critiques the alienating effects of work and the difficulty of understanding those who are suffering in silence. The story’s themes continue to resonate with readers, making it an enduring classic in American literature.

If you haven’t yet read Bartleby the Scrivener, now is the time to explore this thought-provoking tale. Its timeless themes and complex characters offer deep insights into the nature of human existence and societal expectations.