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Who Is Bartleby The Scrivener

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Bartleby Bartleby the scrivener,”, a short story written by Herman Melville, the story takes place in an office on Wall Street. The main character Bartleby is a copier for this firm and does well at his job he does not bother anyone or say much. Bartleby is a test for patience? A test of charity? Or is he a test of sympathy?. The boss constantly asks Bartleby to do work, but Bartleby says “ I would prefer not to.” This demonstrating one of many instances that Bartleby is only there to test everyone's patience and to be an annoyance to everyone around him. Bartleby also stays in the office when he is asked to leave and the boss gives him money testing the bosses ungenuine charity. Lastly Bartleby tests the bosses' sympathy as the boss continually feels bad for Bartleby and tries to help …show more content…

Bartleby, the test of patience signifies that if you do nothing wrong they can’t hurt or punish you, you have done nothing wrong and therefore are exempt from all punishment. Bartleby continues to test his luck throughout the story and progressively decreases the bosses'

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