One of the basic changes is his attitude to life. Indisputably, these changes were caused by his communication with the scrivener. Indeed, the changes in narrator’s character are obvious throughout the story. Even though the author does not name these things directly, they can be seen in some details of the story. Despite the fact that Bartleby was not eager to communicate, he helped the narrator to learn a lot of things. However, these one-sided relations implied something more than unsuccessful tries. This purpose seems unjustified, when at the end of the story Bartleby dies, despite all the attempts of the narrator to help him. At the same time, the narrator does not give up his idea to break the ice and become friends with the worker. Bartleby is not by any means rude, or impolite he is simply passive. Indeed, while the narrator expresses such feelings towards Bartleby, as being “disconcerted”, “consternated”, “perplexed”, “irritated”, and so on, the man remained “oblivious” and “dimly calm”, sticking to his “steadiness” and “unalterableness of demeanor” (Melville, 31).Īll the mentioned emotions or their absence proved that the relations between the narrator and the scrivener seem to be rather one-sided. In addition, a vivid contrast of their perceptions of different situations is presented. Bartleby’s origin, interests, character, preferences – everything is covered with a thick fog of mystery, and there seems to be no chance to ever approach to his thoughts or feelings. As it may first appear to the readers, the narrator does not understand anything about the man’s behavior. He often tells about his feelings, emotions, and thoughts, which he has in the course of communication with Bartleby. The story is told from the first person singular, thus giving the readers a chance to see everything with the eyes of the narrator. However, an interesting point to explore is not the interrelations between the reader and the character, but between the narrator and Bartleby. Undoubtedly, the man appeals to its readers in some inexplicable way, and gives new lessons to them.
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