Papers on "Isolation and Compassion in "Bartleby, the Scrivener"" and similar term paper topics

Paper #103234 :: Isolation and Compassion in "Bartleby, the Scrivener"
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An analysis of the themes of isolation and compassion in Herman Melville's short story "Bartleby, the Scrivener".

Written in 2008; 1,060 words; 1 source; MLA; $ 37.95

Paper Summary:

This paper examines the themes of isolation and compassion evident in Herman Melville's parable "Bartleby, the Scrivener". It asserts that the story not only deals with human behaviour, but also with moral issues. The paper points out that Bartleby is an odd, but hard working introvert, hired by a lawyer to copy out legal documents, a job he appeared to do well. However, his refusal to take on any tasks that were outside of his job description, without explanation, led to frustration among the office clerks and a feeling of disbelief from the lawyer. The paper holds that Bartleby's quiet, isolated and non-conforming nature troubled the lawyer. The paper concludes that, according to Melville's parable, one has the choice to make decisions in one's own interests, or one may do what is expected in order to avoid conflict amongst those one cares about.

From the Paper:

"The theme of isolation and compassion are evident in Herman Melville's parable "Bartleby, the Scrivener". Melville begins his "Story of Wall -Street" with comical portraits of the main characters, such as, the "unambitious" lawyer, who was also the narrator of the story, his 3 clerks; Nippers, Turkey, and Ginger Nut, along with the socially outcast scrivener, Bartleby. "Bartleby, the Scrivener" not only deals with human behaviour, but also equally deals with moral issues. It is a story involving the lives of many characters who each struggled for an identity and purpose. Bartleby an odd, but hard working introvert, was hired by the lawyer to copy out legal documents, a job he appeared to do well. However, he refused to take on any tasks that were outside of his job description, without explanation, which led to frustration among the office clerks and a feeling of disbelief from the lawyer. It was Bartleby's quiet, isolated and non-conforming nature that troubled the lawyer. Although the lawyer was influenced and felt pressured to remain dedicated to his duties, it was compassion that confounded him and made his decision extremely difficult, resulting in a tragic and crippling feeling of emptiness and brokenness."

Tags: conformity refusal decision choice, free will

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