Exploring Barriers in Melville's 'Bartleby, The Scrivener: a Wall Street Tale'

Introduction: The Peculiar World of Bartleby

When we dive into Herman Melville's "Bartleby, the Scrivener: A Wall Street Tale," we enter a world that seems both mundane and bizarre. At first glance, this story about a Wall Street lawyer and his enigmatic scrivener might feel like just another slice-of-life tale. However, peel back the layers, and we find ourselves grappling with some profound barriers—social, psychological, and existential. The barriers faced by Bartleby not only affect him but also impact the people around him. In this essay, we will explore these barriers in-depth while considering how they illuminate broader themes in society.

The Wall Street Setting: A Barrier of Capitalism

One of the most striking aspects of Melville's narrative is its setting—Wall Street during the 19th century. This environment is emblematic of capitalism at its most ruthless. The narrator describes his workplace as a space dominated by money-making endeavors and transactional relationships. In such a milieu, Bartleby's refusal to conform to societal expectations is radical. He embodies an antithesis to the relentless drive for profit that characterizes Wall Street.

This capitalist backdrop serves as a barrier not only for Bartleby but also for his employer—the unnamed narrator. The lawyer feels trapped within a system that values productivity over humanity. As he grapples with his feelings towards Bartleby's passive resistance ("I would prefer not to"), we see how capitalism creates a dichotomy between individual needs and corporate demands.

Social Isolation: Bartleby's Loneliness

Bartleby's social isolation represents another significant barrier in the story. While he occupies physical space in the office, he remains emotionally distant from everyone else, including his boss and coworkers. This isolation speaks volumes about how modern workplaces can be environments where employees are seen but not heard—a theme still relevant today.

The narrator’s attempts to engage with Bartleby are met with silence or rejection; their interactions highlight an unsettling truth about human connection in professional spaces—it's often superficial or transactional. Bartleby's eventual refusal to even leave the office when asked reveals how deeply entrenched his isolation has become; he has erected walls around himself that seem impenetrable.

The Psychological Barrier: Existential Crisis

Bartleby’s character evokes questions about mental health and existential despair—a psychological barrier that's increasingly recognized in our contemporary society yet remains shrouded in stigma. Throughout the narrative, it becomes evident that something is deeply wrong with Bartleby; however, neither the narrator nor society provides him with support or understanding.

Instead of diagnosing or treating what appears to be depression or disengagement from life itself, those around him react with frustration and confusion. This leads us to ponder how society often responds inadequately to mental health issues by stigmatizing rather than seeking understanding or help.

The Narrator's Dilemma: Empathy vs Indifference

An essential aspect of this story lies in its exploration of empathy—or lack thereof—between individuals within hierarchical structures like workplaces. The narrator experiences internal conflict regarding how he should handle Bartleby's behavior; initially sympathetic, he soon finds himself overwhelmed by Bartleby's unyielding nature.

This struggle reflects a barrier faced by many professionals today—the desire to connect on a human level versus adhering strictly to corporate culture’s expectations for efficiency and productivity at all costs. When confronted with someone who steps outside those norms—as Bartleby does—the narrator ultimately chooses indifference over empathy when things become too challenging for him.

Cultural Barriers: Conformity vs Individuality

Melville’s short story also taps into cultural barriers related to conformity versus individuality—a theme particularly resonant during periods of economic stress or social upheaval (much like our current climate). In refusing compliance through simple tasks like copying documents, Bartleby becomes emblematic of individual struggle against societal pressures that demand conformity without question.

This tension raises essential questions about identity formation amidst rigid structures such as work environments where personal agency often takes second place behind collective goals or company policies that may neglect workers’ unique needs altogether!

Conclusion: Breaking Down Barriers

As we explore these various barriers present in Melville's "Bartleby," it's clear they intertwine seamlessly across themes ranging from capitalism's dehumanizing nature through social isolation experienced within office settings right down into deeper explorations concerning mental health stigma today! Through examining each layer carefully—including protagonist struggles—readers gain insight into both past realities alongside contemporary issues surrounding workplace dynamics & interpersonal relationships alike!

References

• Melville, Herman. "Bartleby, the Scrivener." In *The Piazza Tales*. New York: Putnam & Sons, 1856.
• Shelley Fisher Fishkin (ed.). *The Cambridge Companion to Herman Melville*. Cambridge University Press 1998.
• Parker, Hershel (2009). *Herman Melville: A Biography*. John Wiley & Sons Inc.
• Miller, James E., Jr.. *Herman Melville: His World And Work*. New York University Press 1975.