I always interpreted this story as more of a surprisingly insightful psychological profile of an ultra-sensitive personality type (like many artists-writers included- are). Bartleby was so overwhelmed by the sadness and demands of everyday life that he first tried to build up protective walls, but eventually decided he was done. Life was simply too painful for him so "he preferred not to" live anymore. I did not know that Melville wrote this after the failure of Moby Dick, but it makes even more sense to me given that context.
My theory is very similar to one below in the comments. Why it's not more widely held I believe is entirely due to the problem people have with accepting and understanding sadness. They would rather ignore the subject. The letters B opened in the Dead Letter Office are a key. How must it feel to be reminded daily about the failed attempts of friends to help each other when the simple fact that a letter is lost can mean the destruction of a life. Or the death of someone not knowing that they were not forgotten. Another indicator for me are the odd characters that turn up in Moby Dick (Bullington) and Redburn and other stories. Characters who are never fully explained and simply disappear. Also remember Melville was a guy who went to sea. Seafaring was a profession chosen by many people who were either down on their luck or otherwise running from the society of others. Melville never TACKED on anything to his novels. Certainly not the Dead Letter Office.
I smiled the whole thing, you explain this better than my college teacher. lol And yes we don't have "that" freedom. If we are forced to do things in our courses in college like doing 2 researches just "because" the teacher "wants to"!!!!!!!!
+SIUYING WONG Thanks for the compliment! If you ever need help with an interpretation or a paper, feel free to enlist my services at editygroup.com/academic!
Professor, isn't there something unethical about helping (for a fee?) a student write his/her paper that he/she will assumingly submit for their grades? Will the instructor know the work is not really the student's own, in part or in total? Smacks of dishonesty.
Hey, I understand that worry, and that's why I never write a word of a student paper---I'm a professor, too, so I wouldn't want to do anything to compromise another professor's course. I will help with editing, though, or with idea generation, as these are both services universities offer students through writing centers and tutors, and that are considered entirely acceptable and even recommended by professors. Some students just want higher level or more experienced help, and that's where I can be of service.
if anyone is watching this late at night, with headphones in, his mic drops at 7:45
scared the crap outta me.
I always interpreted this story as more of a surprisingly insightful psychological profile of an ultra-sensitive personality type (like many artists-writers included- are). Bartleby was so overwhelmed by the sadness and demands of everyday life that he first tried to build up protective walls, but eventually decided he was done. Life was simply too painful for him so "he preferred not to" live anymore. I did not know that Melville wrote this after the failure of Moby Dick, but it makes even more sense to me given that context.
this is a perfect interpretation
Hey Nick, great analysis. I'm currently writing my own analysis for college and I just want to say I found your ideas enlightening and helpful.
Thanks for your well thought out and well spoken analysis. I am Currently digging deep into the story myself.
My theory is very similar to one below in the comments. Why it's not more widely held I believe is entirely due to the problem people have with accepting and understanding sadness. They would rather ignore the subject.
The letters B opened in the Dead Letter Office are a key. How must it feel to be reminded daily about the failed attempts of friends to help each other when the simple fact that a letter is lost can mean the destruction of a life. Or the death of someone not knowing that they were not forgotten. Another indicator for me are the odd characters that turn up in Moby Dick (Bullington) and Redburn and other stories. Characters who are never fully explained and simply disappear. Also remember Melville was a guy who went to sea. Seafaring was a profession chosen by many people who were either down on their luck or otherwise running from the society of others.
Melville never TACKED on anything to his novels. Certainly not the Dead Letter Office.
great analysis !!
Interesting interpretation thank you!
I smiled the whole thing, you explain this better than my college teacher. lol And yes we don't have "that" freedom. If we are forced to do things in our courses in college like doing 2 researches just "because" the teacher "wants to"!!!!!!!!
"Mientras dure esta música, creeremos en el libre albedrío, esa ilusión de cada instante." Música Griega, Jorge Luis Borges
nicely put. :)
how did bartleby end up in jail?
By "preferring not to" leave the office when the Lawyer left
Thank you so much!! Wish you can be my Literature professor
+SIUYING WONG Thanks for the compliment! If you ever need help with an interpretation or a paper, feel free to enlist my services at editygroup.com/academic!
Thank you.
+Cindy Mars You're welcome! If you ever need help with an interpretation or a paper, feel free to enlist my services at editygroup.com/academic!
Type my paper!
Professor, isn't there something unethical about helping (for a fee?) a student write his/her paper that he/she will assumingly submit for their grades? Will the instructor know the work is not really the student's own, in part or in total? Smacks of dishonesty.
Hey, I understand that worry, and that's why I never write a word of a student paper---I'm a professor, too, so I wouldn't want to do anything to compromise another professor's course. I will help with editing, though, or with idea generation, as these are both services universities offer students through writing centers and tutors, and that are considered entirely acceptable and even recommended by professors. Some students just want higher level or more experienced help, and that's where I can be of service.
yea I stopped watching because I cant hear it.