Bartleby the Scrivener
Bartleby the Scrivener is a short story by Herman Melville, and a later film. The story first appeared, anonymously, in Putnam's Magazine in two parts. Part I appeared in November, 1853, with the conclusion published in December, 1853. It was reprinted in Melville's Piazza Tales in 1856 with minor textual alterations.Warning: Plot details follow.
The narrator of the story is an unnamed lawyer with offices on Wall Street in New York City. He describes himself as doing "a snug business among rich men's bonds and mortgages and title-deeds." He has three employees: "First, Turkey; second, Nippers; third, Ginger Nut," each of whom is described. He advertises for a fourth, and Bartleby appears, "pallidly neat, pitiably respectable, incurably forlorn!"
At first Bartleby appears to be a competent worker, but later he refuses to work when requested, repeatedly uttering the phrase "I would prefer not to." He is also found to be living in the lawyer's office. Bartleby refuses to explain his behavior, and also refuses to leave when dismissed. The lawyer moves offices to avoid any further confrontation, and Bartleby is taken away. By the end of the story, Bartleby is reported dead.
Some critics see this story as an attempt by Melville to wryly ponder the difficulties of holding a saving faith.
External Links