Themes: Freedom and Imprisonment
The theme of individualism in "Bartleby the Scrivener" is closely linked to the idea of freedom. The narrative is replete with symbolic walls. The office is located on Wall Street, and its windows look out onto walls on all sides. Bartleby frequently gazes vacantly at a wall, lost in what the lawyer calls "a dead-wall reverie." It seems Bartleby feels trapped in his circumstances, and it is significant that he eventually dies in prison. Through Bartleby's character, Melville seems to question the essence of human freedom. Historically, one could argue that Bartleby is caught in the grip of the burgeoning capitalist economy, which compels him to trade his time and labor for minimal wages. During that period, capitalism was often criticized by those concerned about economic independence and was labeled "wage-slavery." Philosophically, Bartleby might be restricted by his inability to grasp the fundamental purpose or meaning of life.
Expert Q&A
The meaning and implications of "Ah Bartleby! Ah humanity!" in the final sentence of "Bartleby the Scrivener."
The final sentence "Ah Bartleby! Ah humanity!" reflects the narrator's realization of the broader human condition through Bartleby's plight. It implies a deep sense of empathy and sorrow for Bartleby and, by extension, all of humanity, highlighting themes of isolation, despair, and the need for compassion in society.
What adjectives describe the work environment in "Bartleby the Scrivener" and how does it relate to Bartleby's behavior?
The work environment in "Bartleby the Scrivener" is described as small, gloomy, and crowded, with a contrast between light and dark. The office is divided by glass doors, with Bartleby placed in a dim corner, screened off from the narrator. This contributes to Bartleby's sense of isolation and entrapment, which likely influences his passive resistance and withdrawal from his tasks and interactions with others.
Symbolism of Walls in "Bartleby the Scrivener"
In Herman Melville's "Bartleby the Scrivener," walls symbolize isolation and entrapment, both physically and psychologically. Set on Wall Street, the narrative emphasizes walls through the office's confined architecture and Bartleby's placement near a window facing a blank wall. These walls reflect Bartleby's separation from society and his internal despair, culminating in his imprisonment and death. The story critiques the dehumanizing effects of capitalism, where individuals become isolated within a system focused solely on productivity and materialism.
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