Bartlevy the Scrivener
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Melville's short story "Bartleby the Scrivener" tells the story of the unlikely relationship forged between a lawyer and one of his scriveners. The lawyer, the man who employs Bartleby, narrates the story and although the title suggests otherwise, "Bartleby the Scrivener" focuses on the lawyer as the main character. It tells of his struggles as he deals with a bizarre scrivener who seems to be unable to respond to socialization except to say "I would prefer not to." "Bartleby the Scrivener" embodied many of Melville's beliefs and convictions and among them was the idea that man goes through hell in his own conscience because of society and his surroundings.
The narrator's struggle against the conditions of his existence started to occur once Bartleby refused to respond to his commands, denying the lawyer of the respect that came with his position as Bartleby's boss. Then, when the narrator discovered that Bartleby was residing in the office, he questioned Bartleby on the subject, only to have Bartleby reply that he would "prefer not to" talk about his personal status. Outraged by Bartleby's attitude toward him, he fired Bartleby with a six day warning and still, Bartleby refused to leave. This forced the lawyer to start thinking about Bartleby and the recent events that he had found to be so mind-boggling. After some deep thought, he came to believe that Bartleby was a part of the reason he existed and he believed that it was his responsibility to accommodate Bartleby and his wishes. With this newfound perspective of his life, the narrator allowed Bartleby to remain in the office as a sort of "tenant...