Bartleby the Scrivener by Herman Melville Analysis Essay

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Fiction Analysis Essay

Analysis of "Bartleby, the Scrivener" by Herman Melville

"Bartleby the Scrivener" remains one of the best-known fictional works by Melville. Analysts describe the art as arguably among the most challenging to interpret compared to other writers' works. Over time, numerous critics have differed about the interpretations (Fisher, 59-79; Kaplan and Kloss, 63-79; Stempel and Stillians, 268-82).

Only a small section agrees on the interpretations' trajectory; others completely fail to find harmony in their schools of thought. The subject covered in "Bartleby the Scrivener" was far ahead of time as at the time, depression and job dissatisfaction among the middle class were rare subjects. Additionally, the concepts surrounding the importance of Wall Street in Americans' lives were not as pronounced. It was symbolic because Bartleby presented a section of people who openly rejected some employers' tasks while remaining in those businesses.

Before getting deep into the themes discussed in "Bartleby the Scrivener," it is vital to understand Melville. He was gifted in making contemplations and unique descriptions in both his novels and short stories. The clauses in his writings open technically, thoughtfully, and slowly. His friend and colleague Nathaniel Hawthorne also displayed a similar style in "The Scarlet Letter." The lawyer, who adds up as Melville's narrator, takes time and slowly gives the story in detail, highlighting both the character and the scene. For example, in the beginning, the narrator explains how he offered a coat to his scrivener Turkey and turned to be egotistical and overprotective of it.

The methodical attributes manifested in the writings by Melville indicate quality pacing. Pacing is common in music and films, but Melville paces his stories in a professional manner. Melville paces slowly and blends some scenes with deep action, such as the episode about Benito's escape. The role of such intense phases is to indicate climax or serve as revelations of earlier actions. Melville captures those actions in the period surrounding the imprisonment and demise of Bartleby.

A three-page coverage of these events happens after the lawyer is rejected, leading to Bartleby's imprisonment.

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Series of rapid events that happen during the phase appears inevitable and important yet full of sadness. The rapid events make the reader alert to the causes of the actions.

The simplicity of the plot makes it appear deceptive. With a great reputation on Wall Street, the…

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…with his desk. Turkey is always angry and red-faced and keeps staining his work while Nippers is diligent and silent. The lawyer uses rather interesting terms to define the two characters. He associates them with the Tweedledum and Tweedledee that govern the Wall Street version of the world.

The thoughtful analysis and compilation of events in Bartleby's life cannot be complete without referring to the last sections of the story (Melville, 41). In those last phases, the lawyer discloses that he discovered Bartleby, through rumors, that he once operated in the Dead Letter Office before firing during administration changes. The narrator intrinsically questions whether the said job was depressing and lonely, only featured by reading letters for the dead. The narrator argues that it could be the possible reason for the depressed Bartleby, whose last destination was a prison yard.

It is worth realizing that the series of events in the analysis brings together different themes that form part of the thesis statements. Each of the characters represents different themes or contributes to making principal themes stronger. Melville has merged different thematic aspects and reinforced them with characters that pass the intended message with simplicity and in a manner….....

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