Bartleby the Scrivener Forum

I think most readers become increasingly aggravated with Bartleby as the story progresses.  I become increasingly aggravated with the narrator.  Why doesn't he just either fire Bartleby or get some help for him?  Obviously back when this story was written, people were less aware of mental problems, but why does this "boss" let a cukoo little clerk run him out of his own office?

I think he is secretly in love with bartleby! :0

My thoughts about the narrator's acquiescence to Bartlelby was, "Why don't you just tell him what to do?" Bartleby never refused any order from his employer; he merely stated his preferences. This may seem a minor idiosyncrasy to most people, but after 35 years in supervision, I recognize the nuances of language used by those who wish to have their way without being insubordinate.

This may not have been what Melville was thinking, but then he did spend some time as a seaman, and probably was accustomed to taking orders.

The narrator wasn't a wuss. He was conflicted within himself about doing what was right for a fellow human.

   

Doug, I disagree.  If the narrator really wants to do what is right for a fellow human, why does he bail out?  He just leaves Bartleby there in the office and escapes to a different office.  He visits him in jail and then leaves him there, pathetic and alone. 

The last line says, "Ah, humanity!"  Is Melville saying that we all act like wusses when people are in need?

You could be right. Who knows what was in Melville's mind? I remember a quote to the effect that an author is due credit for whatever meaning one finds in his or her work.