An Analysis of the Attorney's Change in Melville's Bartleby the Scrivener: A Story of Wall Street

Melville's short story, "Bartleby the Scrivener: A Story of Wall Street," examines the alteration of an attorney's life when he employs a new scrivener. Bartleby, the new employee, greatly changes the attorney's life. Prior to Bartleby's employment, the attorney enjoys a tranquil routine. However, Bartleby's passive resistance to instruction disrupts the attorney's current way of existence. Through Bartleby's disruption, the attorney gradually realizes the isolation of humanity.

Prior to Bartleby's employment, the attorney enjoys a tranquil existence. The attorney efficiently operates "in the cool tranquility of a snug retreat" (113), in his office on Wall Street. He maintains this routine by having Turkey, who works well in the mourning, copy documents before lunch, and Nippers, who works well after lunch, copy documents in the afternoon. This system permits his employees to produce efficiently and effectively. The attorney's belief "that the easiest way is the best" (113), reveals that he prefers to remain calm in a profession that requires ambition and stress. This perspective frees the attorney from complication and provides his employees with a routine in a relaxed atmosphere. Thus, the attorney's philosophy and careful balancing of his employees rewards him with peace and minimal stress.

Through Bartleby's passive resistance the attorney realizes the isolation of humanity. The attorney becomes "thunderstruck" (129) when Bartleby fails to comply with his simple requests. Bartleby's defiance leaves the attorney devastated because this is the first time an employ fails to comply with his demand. The attorney becomes preoccupied his "restless curiosity" (123) for Bartleby's passive resistance.

The attorney's curiosity becomes satisfied when Bartleby's refusal to eat ends in his death. Because Bartleby is weary of loneliness he decides not to eat. Bartleby's death eliminates the barrier that allows the attorney to remain in his peaceful, routine life. The elimination of this barrier permits the attorney to view other aspects of life. Therefore, Bartleby's passive resistance allows the attorney to realize the isolation of humanity.

Bartleby's refusal to comply disrupts the attorney's calm, routine existence.
While Bartleby's passive resistance leads him to death, it leads the attorney to a new perspective on life. The attorney now realizes the isolation of humanity.