The Theme Of Herman MelvillesBartleby, The Scrivener

Herman Melville’s short story â€Å"Bartleby, the Scrivener† reveals different themes such as isolation and human morality test. In the story, the narrator runs a law firm and has a new Scrivener [Bartleby] who the narrator describes asâ€Å" the strangest I ever saw or heard of† (661). For the first few days, Bartleby is seen to be working fine, however, one day Bartleby just responds with â€Å"I would prefer not to† when anyone assigns a task to Bartleby (674). The real problems start to arise when Bartleby sleeps and eats at the office while denying to work or leave. The narrator illustrates the two main themes of human morals and isolation throughout the story with the use of biblical references to Bartleby as a leper and shows symbolism of the†¦show more content†¦The lawyer is not able to focus on anything because Bartleby will not move from the office or do any work. The lawyer then decides to pay Bartleby a â€Å"twenty-dollar bill over and above whatever [is in Bartleby’s account] and tell him his services† are not necessary (674).The lawyer throws money at Bartleby instead of handing it to him in his hands. The lawyer is trying to get rid of Bartleby to let the law firm make money. Melville portrays a constant war of conscience in the lawyers mind regarding Bartlebys actions and the lawyers reactions. The lawyer goes to church regularly yet does not show the Christian beliefs and ethics. As the story progresses, the lawyer decides to leave the current office and shift to another office in hopes that Bartleby will not follow the company. Bartleby remains at the office and does not move however the new employees find Bartlebys old employer. The new employees ask whether the lawyer knows Bartleby. The lawyer responds by â€Å"I certainly cannot inform you. I know nothing about him† (682). The fact that the lawyer straight up denies knowing anyone named Bartleby is a biblical reference to â€Å"Christ being denied by Peter† (Zlogar 525). The lawyer denies knowing Bartleby to avoid any issues that could affect the law firm. On the other hand, Peter denies knowing Christ to avoid any punishments from Christ. Zlogar implicates that â€Å"Bartleby initially comes to the narrator as the leper comes to Christ† (Zlogar 511). The