Name Date Block
“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
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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