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WORKSHOPS » FICTION » HERMAN MELVILLE, "BARTLEBY, THE SCRIVENER" » EXPLORATIONS
Herman Melville, "Bartleby, the Scrivener"
BIOGRAPHY
Reading » Re-Reading » Explorations
Critical Interpretation
"Bartleby" offers many complexities and gaps for interpretation, and readers often disagree. Is the work partially autobiographical, revealing Melville's frustrations as a writer? Is it a study of depression, anorexia, and anomie, or is Bartleby's response reasonable in light of his experience and future? Is the narrator transformed by his experience or is he confirmed in his cynicism? Is the story a religious parable or a critique of capitalism? (This is only a small sample of the critical issues.)
Weigh in with your own reading of a debatable point. Compare it with one or more of the following:
Media Interpretation
"Bartleby" has lent itself well to media adaptation. Perhaps the one most faithful to the text was created by Brittanica as a movie in 1969 and released on laser disc in 1990 with commentary by critic Charles Van Doren (38 minutes). A 1972 video production from Corinth Films in Britain presents a modern version (79 minutes). Each of these is an interpretation of the story. Compare two, considering what has been omitted and why and how different approaches have been used in the casting and acting.
Following a Motif
Starting with the subtitle of the story, "A Tale of Wall Street," trace through all references to walls in the story. What metaphorical walls between people do you also see? Compare the symbolic meaning of walls here with the wallpaper in Charlotte Perkins Gilman's " The Yellow Wallpaper."
Comparison with Other Works
Most of Melville's best-known works are set on board ships, most notably Moby-Dick, "Benito Cereno," and "Billy Budd." However, this story takes place in a much more restrictive setting. Nevertheless, there are similarities, especially regarding issues of authority and justice. If you have read one of these other works (or would like to for this project), explore a parallel in theme or character development or imagery. You might also consider how that shared theme relates to Melville's life and his frustrations as a writer.
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