Blog 1, Option 2

           Bartleby’s behavior is not a reasonable response to his circumstances. In defining and analyzing how his behavior and circumstances change in this story, we see why this is true. When initially hired by the narrator, he was a focused worker, for he “did an extraordinary quantity of writing…he seemed to gorge himself on my documents” (6). However, for some reason, he stops working and starts a passive rebellion of sorts. For instance, when asked to do a task, the narrator observes, “Bartleby was never on any account to be dispatched on the most trivial errand of any sort; and… [if asked] it was generally understood that he would prefer not to…” (11). Then shortly after, he refuses to do any writing at all, and when questioned as to why, has no response. The narrator’s then left to move offices, while Bartleby stays behind. Yet, when he becomes a nuisance to the new employers, he is taken to the Tombs prison, where he later passes away.

            Considering ‘reasonable’ to refer to something of logic and sound judgment, Bartleby’s response to his circumstance does not fall under this category. Though the narrator’s account could be bias, it is the only perspective of the story available, and so, we must assume it is reliable. As a result, according to his recollection of events, he was patient and respectful in his requests to Bartleby to not only do work, but also to leave his office. For example, in his first attempt to fire Bartleby, the narrator shows compassion to him through his willingness to help pay for Bartleby to return home, as well as to assist in anything else Bartleby may need in the future (14). Similarly, in a following attempt, the narrator offers to pay him an extra twenty dollars to help him find a place and move forward (17). The fact that Bartleby is shown such respect and care, yet continues to refuse to comply to a simple request shows his irrational response given the circumstance.

            After Bartleby dies, we learn that he experienced a potentially scarring situation when “he had been suddenly removed by a change in administration” while working for the Dead Letter Office (27). This could serve as an explanation for why Bartleby “prefers not to” do many tasks requested of him. Also, his work with sorting dead letters for their inevitable destruction could provide a reason behind his possible emotional injuries. Nevertheless, if he was upset by his situation, doing nothing about it does not solve the problem. Instead, a more sensible reaction could have been to utilize his boss’s willingness to understand Bartleby’s point of view. The narrator asked “Why do you refuse?” (8), and Bartleby could have explained his thinking and potentially negotiated something more favorable.

            Another alternative solution, is that if Bartleby was upset by the employment system, he could have rallied other workers who related to his problem and started a movement for change. While the idea may seem idealistic, the narrator himself explained how Bartleby’s influence was affecting people regarding their usage of the word ‘prefer’ when he says, “…[Bartleby] has in some degree turned the tongues, if not the heads of myself and clerks” (16). Bartleby had not intended to influence them, but he did, suggesting that if he had actually tried to gain support for a problem he recognized, there was potential for success to rally for reform. As a result, we see through Bartleby’s situation and alternative responses, that his actual response was not reasonable.