Themes: Alienation and Nonconformity
The wealth of thematic possibilities in “Bartleby the Scrivener” has made it perhaps the most analyzed of all American short stories. Much of this analysis centers on the title character, who is seen as a forerunner of alienated modern man, as the victim of an indifferent society, as a nonconformist—perhaps even a heroic one—who becomes isolated simply for daring to assert his preferences. Another interpretation, built around Bartleby’s role as a writer of sorts, claims that Herman Melville’s story is a parable of the isolation of the artist in a materialistic society that not only is indifferent to its writers but also is bent on their destruction.
Expert Q&A
Does Bartleby symbolize the alienation of modern life?
Bartleby symbolizes the alienation of modern life by embodying the psychological isolation and monotony prevalent in society. His initial productivity masks an inner depression, exacerbated by his monotonous work. Despite the narrator's attempts to help, Bartleby chooses isolation, reflecting modern life's tendency toward alienation even when compassion is available. His detachment from meaningful human connection highlights the soullessness of efficiency-driven environments, making him a symbol of modern existential despair.
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