This is the question that plagues the story's narrator, and it has plagued the readers of "Bartleby the Scrivener,"" as well. ... Perhaps to understand the story one must first accept that there is no single meaning to the character of Bartleby. ... Let us briefly examine one of the most influential interpretations of "Bartleby the Scrivener."" ... Bartleby functions in the story not as a character but as a symbol. ... In "Bartleby the Scrivener,"" Melville explores similar philosophical issues in a different kind of setting. ...

• Word Count: 2093
• Approx Pages: 8
• 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. ... After suggesting that Bartleby "would prefer to take a quart of good ale every day", Turkey states, "Oh. ... Melville is calling on the reader's "little guy" to relate to the subconsciously driven behaviour of the characters. ... "Bartleby, the Scrivener: A Story of Wall-street", should be considered a tragedy, if not in the nature of the story-telling, then in the un...

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