Bartleby, the Scrivener

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Herman Melville was a renowned American writer best known for his novel Moby Dick (1851). He was born in New York City in 1819, and first took to the sea on a merchant ship in 1839. His first two books, Typee and Omoo, were based on his adventures in the South Pacific and were very successful. Moby Dick, on the other hand, was not received well when it was published and only gained acclaim after Melville’s death in 1891.

The attorney’s growing sense of obligation toward Bartleby is tested when client complaints force him to relocate his office, giving Bartleby notice to leave. On moving day, Bartleby remains behind, prompting the new tenant to seek the attorney’s help when Bartleby refuses to vacate. Initially reluctant, the attorney eventually agrees to speak with him and finds Bartleby lingering in the stairwell. Offering various job suggestions and even a place in his home, the attorney is met with Bartleby’s repeated refusals, punctuated by the phrase, “but I am not particular.” Feeling defeated, the attorney departs. Days later, he learns Bartleby has been jailed and visits him, only to be dismissed. Despite arranging for Bartleby’s meals, the scrivener refuses to eat. On a subsequent visit, the attorney discovers Bartleby has died in the prison yard. Reflecting on Bartleby’s former employment at the Dead Letter Office, the attorney imagines the despair of handling undeliverable letters, which deepens his sorrow for Bartleby’s hopelessness. The story concludes with the attorney lamenting Bartleby’s fate and pondering the broader alienation and despair of humanity.

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