Bartleby the Scrivener: A Story of Wall Street (The Art of the Novella series)

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"Ah Bartleby! Ah humanity!

 

allie s #217067
Dec 01, 2011 4:29 PM

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"Ah Bartleby! Ah humanity!

What are examples in the story that show the change that has taken place in the narrator through his experience with Bartleby?

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henry
Dec 01, 2011 5:57 PM

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Early on the narrator describes himself as "an eminently safe man.". He admittedly takes the path of least resistance, he is perfectly satisfied with the way his life is going and largely unconcerned with the welfare of others. Bartleby's plight brings out the narrator's humanity. He even leaves his office rather than have Bartleby removed. He even goes o far at one time tp offer Bartleby a place in his own home. When Bartleby ends up in jail, the narrator bribes one of the jailers to make sure that Bartleby is properly fed and cared for, something he would not have considered doing previously. He, the narrator, has realized his connection to humanity, hence the famous final lines,"Ah Bartleby! Ah humanity!"
 

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