Bartleby, the Scrivener: A Story of Wall-Street by Herman Melville. Summary of the book.

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Bartleby, the Scrivener: A Story of Wall-Street by Herman Melville

Bartleby, the Scrivener: A Story of Wall-Street is an 1853 novella by Herman Melville, the author of Moby-Dick. Set in New York City during the mid-19th century, it tells the story of a scrivener, or copyist, named Bartleby, who works in a Wall Street office. The story examines the conflict between the individual and the corporate world, focusing on the narrator’s attempts to cope with Bartleby’s refusal to work.

The novella is narrated by an unnamed lawyer who runs a law office on Wall Street. He hires a scrivener named Bartleby, who proves to be a competent worker. However, Bartleby soon begins to refuse to do any work, and instead prefers to prefer not to. Despite the lawyer’s efforts to get him to work, Bartleby continues to refuse, leading to his eventual eviction from the office. The lawyer is left to ponder the meaning of Bartleby’s actions, and the implications for modern society.

The novella has been widely praised for its exploration of themes such as alienation, conformity, and freedom. It has been seen as a comment on the dehumanizing effects of industrialization and the bourgeois values of mid-19th century America. Its themes are still relevant today, as it examines the power dynamics between individuals and institutions.

Curiosities and Interesting Facts

  • Bartleby’s Famous Phrase: The novella is renowned for its famous phrase, I would prefer not to. This phrase has come to be seen as a metaphor for individual resistance to oppressive or conformist social structures.
  • Influence on Pop Culture: The novella has had a profound influence on popular culture. It has been referenced in films, television shows, and books, and its themes have been explored in various works of art. It has also inspired numerous musical compositions.
  • Adaptations: The novella has been adapted into several stage, film, and television productions, including the 1973 film The Angel Levine, in which Zero Mostel plays a version of Bartleby.
  • Publication History: The novella was first published in two parts in Putnam’s Magazine in November and December 1853. It was later included in Melville’s 1856 collection, The Piazza Tales.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the novella Bartleby, the Scrivener about?

A: Bartleby, the Scrivener is a novella by Herman Melville, first published in 1853. It tells the story of a scrivener, or copyist, named Bartleby, who works in a Wall Street office. The story examines the conflict between the individual and the corporate world, focusing on the narrator’s attempts to cope with Bartleby’s refusal to work.

Q: What themes does the novella explore?

A: The novella explores themes such as alienation, conformity, and freedom. It examines the power dynamics between individuals and institutions, and the dehumanizing effects of industrialization and the bourgeois values of mid-19th century America.

Q: What are some curiosities and interesting facts about the novella?

A: The novella is renowned for its famous phrase, I would prefer not to. It has been referenced in films, television shows, and books, and its themes have been explored in various works of art. It has also been adapted into several stage, film, and television productions, including the 1973 film The Angel Levine, in which Zero Mostel plays a version of Bartleby.

Q: When was the novella published?

A: The novella was first published in two parts in Putnam’s Magazine in November and December 1853. It was later included in Melville’s 1856 collection, The Piazza Tales.

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