Bartleby

" 'No: at present I would prefer not to make any change at all.' " page 671


In class today, someone brought up the point that the story of Bartleby was really difficult to read and follow through because Bartleby's character was so boring. And although Bartleby is so blah, he is the real motivation behind everything that happens in the story. All of the employees in the office revolve around Bartleby. The conversations revolve around the fact that Bartleby isn't doing something. The actions and thoughts of the characters also revolve around Bartleby. So, even though he doesn't really do anything because he simply "prefers not to", he is the real driving force behind the entire story and the characterization of the characters in the story. So, as annoying as it is, Bartleby's lack of action produces a story.