READERS GUIDE

Questions and Topics for Discussion

Melville does not give many facts about Bartleby, only his prior profession which is revealed at the very end. Would knowing information about the unusual man’s life prior to Wall Street change the sentiment surrounding his character?

Bartleby’s consistent defiance paired with his gentle nature causes the narrator to easily submit to his scrivener. If Bartleby had been someone of ill temper, like Nippers or Turkey, would he have been tolerated for so long? Overall, is Bartleby considered a kind man? Explain using examples from the story.

The narrator believes that Bartleby’s defiance stems from a lack of incentive, which is arguably the case for the “quiet quitters” of today. His attitude about his workload transfers quite easily to the other scriveners as they realize they do not want to “do another man’s work without pay.” Think of the workforce today. Does behavior among colleagues still transfer easily in the modern workforce?

Many times throughout the story, Bartleby is referred to as an apparition. Although it is proven to not be the case, give examples of how Melville explores the theme of death in the novella. In regards to the above, what do you think is the significance of Bartleby working in the Dead Letters Office?

Language and communication play the biggest roles in Bartleby’s character. Aside from behavior, the scriveners and even the narrator unknowingly adopt the word “prefer” in their everyday conversations. Give examples of the effectiveness of passive and assertive language used by Bartleby, the narrator, and even other characters such as the prison chef or the lawyers. Is one better than the other in the act of persuasion? Explain.

Think of the relationship the narrator has with his original scriveners. Does he regard Bartleby in the same fashion, or is there a hierarchy? What can we tell about the narrator from the way he describes his staff?

Is Melville’s portrayal of 19th-century workmen still applicable today? How can today’s average working class relate to the characters and themes surrounding Bartleby? Explain with examples.

Think of the homeless epidemic that continues to grow in New York City. Is the narrator’s relationship with Bartleby congruent with the relationship between social classes today? Explain.

The last line of the novella is “Ah, Bartleby! Ah, humanity!” What do you think the narrator means by this exclamation?