Bartleby, the Scrivener

Bartleby, the Scrivener

The story of "Bartleby the Scrivener" is told from the limited first person point of view of the lawyer, or narrator. This point of view allows the ego and materialism of the narrator to influence how the reader perceives the story. The lawyer points out; "All who know me consider me an eminently safe man". The lawyer is a very methodical and prudent man and has learned patience by working with others, such as Turkey, Ginger Nut, and Nippers (Melville, 25-42).

Bartleby contrasts the lawyer through his existentialism and completely non-materialistic identity. Bartleby cannot survive in such ...