Résumé
Summary and text analysis of "Bartleby" written in 1848 by Hermann Melville. One of many themes approached in Bartleby is the link between the self-interest of the capitalistic Wall Street lawyer and the unmaterialistic way of life of Bartleby the scrivener. In this extract, Melville shows how the lawyer doesn't care about his new employee but on the contrary how he will give him a place in the office. Instead of questioning Bartleby on his intentions, he prefers to explain how he took “materially” care of Bartleby's workspace.
Outline:
I) Hermann Melville's biography
II) Summary
III) Text analysis
A. First extract
B. Second extract