![]() ![]() Bartleby, the focus of Melville’s short story, is the epitome of passivity. The ways in which the two main characters react to this disillusionment, however, seem to exemplify two different philosophical ideals. Both works begin with depictions of men who are disillusioned with the modern workplace and, in a broader sense, critical of the legitimacy of capitalism. On the surface, Herman Melville’s “Bartleby, the Scrivener,” published in 1853, and Chuck Palahniuk’s Fight Club, published in 1996, may seem completely at odds with one another, yet there are some similarities between the themes and characters of the works that are worthy of exploration. It is believable that Bartleby himself knew of this new era to come showing behaviors in reflection of all others during the nineteenth-century anxieties and resisted the fact of this idea for his exact reason. Scrinevers were treating like machines only to soon be replaced by one in the near future. In conclusion, it would be suggested that the cause of his discontinued works and passive resistance was by the under-appreciation and dehumanization of scriveners. ![]() In hope of the passive resistance getting through to the lawyer in the story “Bartleby, The Scrivener” Bartleby tells the lawyer he will no longer write and when asked why Bartleby replied “ Do you not see the reason for yourself ” Showing his “glazed and dull eyes”. These factors all contributed to his reasoning of continuing his passive resistance. His passive resistance and gloomy appearance caused all of his competencies to be overlooked. Being able to work for hours without break, never complaining, always on time and providing consistent quality work in return for minimum pay. ![]() Bartleby was believed to be the lawyers greatest asset or most valued worker. Lastly, the separation of employers and employees would be to great for Bartleby to overlook. The seemingly everlasting isolation of the makeshift cubicle room had also taken its effects, sometimes finding Bartleby to be stuck in a glare out of his window into that of a dark and aged brick wall. Only being twenty-five years of age his eyesight would begin to perish from the constant straining in the darkness of a room only illuminated by deemed candle lights. Not only… but also this work would soon begin to take a toll on the young Bartleby. In fact, all of his workers would be underpaid, Turkey would never receive enough fund to buy nice things, and Nippers would work side hustles to bring in extra funds for commodities. This pay would be considered mediocre to what the lawyer himself would be making in comparison. After acknowledging his credentials, for the given job Bartleby would be accompanied by a mediocre pay of 4 cents per one hundred handwritten words. ![]() In the story “Bartleby, The Scrivener” the lawyer hires Bartleby after advertising the position available. Being underpaid and overworked, this was Bartleby’s way of saying enough is enough. With no hesitation, I believe that this subtle passive resistance displayed by Bartleby is due to the under-appreciation of Scriveners. Indicating that he would not participate in anything outside of his job description as just a scrivener. With his famous quote “ I would prefer not to”. In “Bartleby, The Scrivener” by Herman Melville, it can be seen being used by the main character Bartleby. A nonviolent opposition to authority better known as a passive resistance. ![]()
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