Download “Bartleby, the Scrivener: A Story of Wall Street” by Herman Melville

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“Bartleby, the Scrivener: a Story of Wall Street” by Herman Melville
English 11
After reading the story, analyze Bartleby’s character and his importance in the story. Do so by
answering the following questions. Be sure to answer all parts of each question.
1. Bartleby seems stubborn, self-absorbed,
rebellious, and insubordinate, yet the boss
and many readers sympathize with him.
Explain what feeling or desire we have in
common with him that allows us to do so.
Do we always act on this feeling or desire?
Why or why not?
2. Why does Bartleby use the word “prefer”
when refusing to work rather than saying
he “will not” do something? What is the
significance of the word?
3. Why does Bartleby stare at blank walls so
much? Remember that Melville is a
Romantic author, thus finds meaning in
nature – consider how this contrasts with
the setting in which “Bartleby” takes place.
4. What does Bartleby’s previous job in the
dead letters office suggest about his
character?
Dead letter: a letter that cannot be delivered to
the address written on it and cannot be returned
to the person who sent it
Dead letter office: the postal department to
which dead letters are sent to be opened and
returned to the sender, if possible, or destroyed
Name
5. What is Melville trying to communicate
through Bartleby’s death at the end of the
story? Many people assume that Bartleby is
just too stubborn or lazy – is that what
Melville is trying to say?
6. What is the theme of this story? Support
your answer with evidence from the story.
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