In spite of his seemingly antagonistic role in the novel, Bartleby is really a victim of his surroundings. ... The story begins with Bartleby seeking employment in the office of a scrivener; a glorified copyist. ... The impact of this environment on Bartleby is nothing short of dehumanizing. ... When Bartleby's stagnation begins to hinder the profitability of the scrivener, his employer, rather than confront the issue and deal with Bartleby personally, he decides to simply move the office and leave the next tenant to deal with him. It soon becomes clear that Bartleby will not leave volunt...

• Word Count: 455
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

What is the reason for Bartleby's strange behavior in the story? ... Bartleby is described as eerily "mechanical"" and "inhuman." " Unlike Bartleby, Melville never became mentally or socially paralyzed. ... Like Moby Dick, Bartleby himself is also a kind of wall. ... The lawyer supposes in turn that Bartleby does not understand the rules of the office; Bartleby's resistance is just a minor eccentricity that can be controlled like Turkey's and Nipper's; Bartleby ails physically from a poor diet or bad light; and, finally, Bartleby has been deeply affected by a previous job e...

• Word Count: 2093
• Approx Pages: 8
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

Bartleby, The Scrivener is an interesting story representing corporate discontent. Bartleby is a freak, an outcast and a profoundly depressed and lonely man, who seems completely unable to find work that will satisfy him. ... The end of the story brings out the narrator's compassion for Bartleby, because he tries to help the "dead" and boring scrivener until he dies in a courtyard. The author could have related to Bartleby through previous experiences or beliefs and is probably trying to convey the message because of this. ... Bartleby cannot pretend to have enthusiasm for this bleak worl...

• Word Count: 594
• Approx Pages: 2
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

For this reason, Bartleby the Scrivener, is a tragedy. ... The reader is astonished with his conclusion that, not only will he not force Bartleby to move, he, himself will move without Bartleby. ... While visiting Bartleby at the office where he had been left, the lawyer again makes suggestions to Bartleby of ways in which he can better his circumstances. ... The sad rumour is shared with the reader, about Bartleby's experience in the Dead Letter Office, which helps to explain Bartleby's mental state. ... He draws our attention to this in exclaiming, "Ah Bartleby! ...

• Word Count: 925
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

With Bartleby, Melville wanted to explore the effects that individualism had in a utilitarian society. ... In the article, Norberg explains his pedagogic strategy when teaching Bartleby. ... Bartlebys resistance to change is further analyzed by Norberg when he states, Bartlebys insistence on his preferences disrupts the assumptions of management that govern labor in corporate capitalist economy (Norberg 95). ... The narrator, representing the majority/capitalism, expects Bartleby to adapt to the way things are supposed to be according to the majority, who benefit from Bartlebys type of work an...

• Word Count: 1009
• Approx Pages: 4
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate