Critical Response- "Bartleby, the Scrivener"

In "Bartleby, the Scrivener," Herman Melville explores two characters and their differences in ways of dealing with conflict; however, the two characters exhibit similarity as well. In the beginning of the story, Bartleby is first viewed by the reader as a shy, diligent man. However, as the story progresses, Bartleby begins to show his real character and feelings. He "prefers not to" do his work. He would rather shut out the world and retreat to his own lonely thoughts at his desk. Bartleby deals with personal conflict but shutting down into silence.

On the other hand, the narrator/boss differs in his methods by being more upfront and attempting to get closer to Bartleby. He goes not hide behind his desk in silence; he reacts to the conflict between himself and Bartleby by asking Bartleby abut his life and talking t

o him. Just as Bartley's method does not help his situation, this method of getting closer to the conflict does not help to relieve the conflict either.

Even though the characters are contrasting in their methods, the boss trying to get close to Bartleby while Bartleby is trying to distance himself from all others, the two share the same passivity. They both "prefer not to" do various tasks. The boss tries to get closer, however, he never fully commits, afraid of the mysterious ways of Bartleby. He confronts Bartleby about not doing work, but then easily gives up and gives Bartleby whatever he wants. There is never a clear line dividing the methods of Bartleby and his boss.