I think in order to understand a story; it helps to know a little bit about the author. Herman Melville uses his knowledge of business and what can happen when faced with financial ruin in “Bartleby the Scrivener”. Mr. Melville’s father went bankrupt when he was young because of risky investments, giving him a determination to become financially independent. He also watched as his family fell apart: his father died and his mother became dependent on her own family. We now have some indication of Mr. Melville’s attitude towards business-do not take chances. In “Bartleby the Scrivener” Melville is more open in sharing his feelings about the business world and what it can do to people.
The narrator begins by describing himself as a rather elderly man; this leads the reader to believe he is experienced and somewhat worldly in his field. But yet, we are made aware that the narrator is one who chooses to “play it safe” with his career, reputation and life choices. How do I know this? The narrator says he belongs to “a profession proverbially energetic and nervous even to turbulence at times, yet nothing of that sort have I ever suffered to invade my peace.” He continues to state, “I am one of those unambitious lawyers…..” “but, in the cool tranquility of a snug retreat…” (pg.3). All these descriptions show a person who is content with his career without any of the formality, success and energy of his field.
Melville’s description of our narrator’s work space gives us further proof that his life is a set of predictable safe events – or playing it safe. Ie: “This view might have been considered rather tame than otherwise, deficient in what landscape painters call “life”.”
Our narrator introduces his staff: Turkey, Nippers and Ginger Nut. All nicknames given to each other, and allowed in an office of legal copy writing – we are not privy to their actual names. Even though a nickname is a sign of familiarity, one has to wonder how the narrator allows this in an atmosphere that is stoic in demeanor – physically and emotionally.
I will stop here, leaving the following questions:
What influence does Turkey, Nippers and Ginger Nut have on the narrator?
Who is Bartleby? What is it that intrigues our narrator so greatly that he compelled to tell Bartleby’s story?
What impact does Bartleby have on the safety of our narrator’s life?
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i think the background of the author is a very clue and important piece of information that would help reader to understand the story. Also, it can help the reader to understand why was the narrator present in such manner. But I would like to find out when was the novel written, what was the society or economy was like during when Herman Melville wrote this. Like so many other english literature, the period of the work often can explain furture why did the author write the work. But I think that the questions that you leave at the end are pretty interesting and very helpful to lead the reader for further reading.
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