Blog 1 Topic 2

              Rational behavior can be derived from a multifaceted array of influences ranging from individual stances to social norms. Perceptions can vary depending on changes to setting, time period, personal beliefs, and much more. In Herman Melville’s short story, Bartleby, the Scrivener, Bartleby antagonizes the protagonist, a lawyer who employs Bartleby, through his unorthodox life style. Initially a very efficient worker, Bartleby slowly transitions from a reliable scrivener to a social enigma that is adamant in his preference to not do certain jobs. Perplexed by Bartleby’s demeanor, the lawyer gives it his utmost effort to reason with Bartleby’s thought process. The story then revolves around the lawyer’s interactions with Bartleby and the eventual discovery of Bartleby’s past. Despite the hardships that Bartleby may have gone through, they do not justify his irrational behavior. Given the setting of the narrative and Bartleby’s failure to uphold his social norms, it is hard to reason with Bartleby’s actions.

                Melville published Bartleby, the Scrivener in 1853. During this period, Melville was at a career low, which may have influenced the gloomy demise of Bartleby. The setting of the short story takes place in wall street, presumably during the mid-19^th century. At the law firm, Bartleby works alongside three other works: Turkey, Nippers, and Ginger Nuts. Although none of these characters represent the ideal American worker, their work ethic stays consistent in manner that satisfies their employer. Conversely, Bartleby initially excelled in only copying but later refused to accomplish the most menial of tasks replying that, “[he] would prefer not to” (Melville 10). In spite of the narrators attempts at reasoning with Bartleby, Bartleby continued to deny “requests made according to common usage and common sense” (Melville 8). This situation proved to be very uneconomical for his employer, for not only did he continue to pay Bartleby’s wages, the narrator’s clients also voiced their disapproval of Bartleby’s presence. As an employed worker, it is important to keep a work life balance by separating private problems from professional problems to avoid potential problems such as these. A reasonable course of action would be to formally quit the job and vacate the premises. Although the Dead Letter Office previously employed Bartle, his experiences with his duties there does not justify his work behavior nor his residential use of the office. If he had traumatic experiences with his previous job that impedes certain job functions, he should seek employment with responsibilities that allow him to escape from his experiences while providing lodging such as caretaker jobs or naval jobs.

                Bartleby’s behavior throughout the narrative characterizes his loss of will to follow social norms. Although an obedient worker at the start, he degenerates into an enigmatic recluse that refuses to disclose his problems, comply with rational orders, and provide himself with a sustainable means of living. The narrator sympathizes with Bartleby and attempts to reason with him multiple times by giving him the option to continue working, paying him extra to leave, and even offering residence at his own home to give time for Bartleby to recuperate. Despite these attempts of friendly cooperation, Bartleby refuses to disclose his reasoning and defers to silence after uttering the words “I would prefer not to.” At this point, Bartleby seemed to be so deeply entrenched in his trauma that he failed to see the purpose of life. Instead of reaching out for help, Bartleby went with one of the most unreasonable courses of action by following the path of suicide.