In his noted work, Bartleby the Scrivener: A Story of Wall Street, Herman Melville portrays the deranged character and namesake of the novel, as a blatant critique of nineteenth century America. ... 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. ... He explains that he is willing to perform meaningful work, but most of the unskilled occupations (such as being a scrivener) available to someone like him are deleterious both to his body and mind. When Bartleby...

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

Almost one hundred and fifty years since it was first published, Herman Melville's "Bartleby the Scrivener"" remains one of the most elusive short stories in all of American literature. ... This is the question that plagues the story's narrator, and it has plagued the readers of "Bartleby the Scrivener,"" as well. ... Let us briefly examine one of the most influential interpretations of "Bartleby the Scrivener."" ... In "Bartleby the Scrivener,"" Melville explores similar philosophical issues in a different kind of setting. ... He begins by trying to discover something about Bartleb...

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

Although the narrator is the protagonist of this story, the man he hires to be his scrivener, Bartleby becomes the most important example of the effect communication can have. ... For instance, it allowed Bartleby to keep his job. ... It can be presumed that Bartleby's blunt and honest demeanor left the lawyer with the impression that Bartleby could be trusted. ... The lawyer attempts to confront Bartleby about the issue and Bartleby gives very little response to the questioning, electing to remain mostly silent. ... When the lawyer left his firm, Bartleby remained living there. ...

• Word Count: 755
• Approx Pages: 3
• Has Bibliography
• Grade Level: Undergraduate

If ever there are two opposite themes offered in the telling of one tale, it is in Herman Melville's short story, "Bartleby the Scrivener". ... 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. ... 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. ... "Bartleby, the Scrivener: A Story of Wall-street", should be considered a traged...

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