Blog 1, Option 2

Bartleby is introduced by the lawyer, who from the beginning mentions Bartleby as “a scrivener of the strangest I ever saw or heard of”. This statement rapidly distinguishes Bartleby as eccentric. As we read through the story, we realize Bartleby is eccentric because he neglects to follow his boss’s demands. It first starts off by not willing to examine his own work, then into not writing and copying at all, until he completely refuses any orders the lawyer would ask for. Aside from this, Bartleby was residing in the office without permission and took hold of the office’s spare key, which at one point allowed him to lock the lawyer out of his own office.

The more I read, the more frustrated and annoyed I felt at Bartleby, but at the same time mad at the lawyer for allowing these actions. The phrase “I prefer not to” became my point of irritation because the lawyer was ordering him to perform a task, not asking him whether he wanted to do it. The first time Bartleby answered “I prefer not to”, I was shocked because he denied without reason and was non confrontational about it. I most definitely disagree that Bartleby’s behavior is a reasonable response to his circumstances. How can someone be so passively resisted to a boss’s orders? It’s a job, you have to work in order to keep it. You can’t expect to be employed, while not doing anything. We see that the lawyer is trying to justify Bartleby, but out of frustration, the lawyer asks himself “What was to be done? He would do nothing in the office: why should he stay there?” Bartleby was completely useless in regards to the office, but expected to remain employed and when asked to leave, he continued to refuse. At this point, I was aggravated with his behavior and do not have any more sympathy for him because he has taken it too far. His behavior continues to be childish because he doesn't understand and is abnormally stubborn. It also implies that he doesn’t respond to what others ask him to do and wants it done when he wants to do it, not when others want him to or else he will not follow through. For the workforce, this behavior is highly unacceptable, especially when he is making no contributions to the office.

I understand that Bartleby previously worked as a subordinate clerk handling dead letters, but the other scriveners also had their own previous troubles and current difficulties, yet we see them performing their job. Even as the lawyer was empathetic towards Bartleby and offered him help, he refused to cooperate. The help was there, but he didn’t take it, so there is really no reason for Bartleby’s behavior to be understood. Without the use of background information, the only circumstances Bartleby seemed to have were homelessness and previously working a sorrowful job. This, itself, is not a well enough reason for Bartleby to refuse any obligation given to him.