Need Help Writing a Paper?

Have Paper Masters custom write your project today!

  • 24/7 Customer Support
  • Free Plagiarism Check
  • Writing at Your Level
  • Writers All Have Advanced Degrees
  • Will Follow Specific Instructions
Need Help Writing a Paper?
Yes! Write My Paper!

Herman Melville Bartleby The Scrivener

Herman Melville Bartleby the Scrivener

Herman Melville produced what is arguably the greatest American novel ever written, Moby-Dick. However, he is also well known for his short story "Bartleby the Scrivener," which was first published in 1853, while Melville was writing Moby-Dick.

"Bartleby the Scrivener" is told from the perspective of a wealthy New York attorney, who hires Bartleby as a legal scribe. At first, Bartleby is a model employee, until one day he simple states, "I would prefer not to" when asked to complete some work. Soon, this becomes his mantra and his answer to anything. Bartleby takes up residence in the office, does no work at all, and ends up starving to death in jail.

Critics have been debating the various meanings of the story ever since its publication, and much of it defies a single explanation. Some argue that Melville wrote the story following the poor reception and bad reviews of his novel Pierre, and that the phrase "I would prefer not to" detail his struggle with continuing to work on his next novel, Moby-Dick. What is clear is that Bartleby's desk sits at an open window, which faces a brick wall and serves as one of the major metaphors in the novel and perhaps the situation that precipitates Bartleby's descent into apathy and depression. Melville, now considered to be one of America's greatest writers, was a critical and financial failure during his lifetime, facing his own metaphysical brick wall, blocked in his desire to be a famous writer.

Related Research Paper Topic Suggestions

Ahdaf Soueifs 1964 - In her short story "1964," novelist and political commentator Ahdaf Soueif recounts the journey of Aisha, an Egyptian teen, during her relocation from Egypt to London.

A Problem By Anton Chekhov - A Problem by Anton Chekhov essays summarize the short story by Russian author Anton Chekhov.

Araby James Joyce - Research papers on Araby by James Joyce discuss the world literature work by James Joyce telling the story of North Richmond Street boys, whose imaginative play belies their drab surroundings.

Barn Burning - Barn Burning book reports delve into a short story by William Faulkner which reflects the social conditions of the U.S. during the depression.

Barn Burning Summary - A summary on Barn Burning goes into one of William Faulkner's works about a fictional town in Jefferson Mississippi.

Blue Hotel - Blue Hotel research papers examine one of Stephan Crane's most disturbing short stories.

Cathedral - Cathedral research papers examine Raymond Carver's short story about a blind man helping another man see.

John Gardner - Research papers on John Gardner discuss the American author most known for his novels and short stories.

Junot Diaz - Junot Diaz Research Papers delve into a collection of short strories that provide a look into the culture of Dominicans in New York City.

Nobody ever dies - Nobody Ever Dies research papers examine the short story by Ernest Hemingway.

Short Stories - Short Stories essays discuss the form of literature that generally encapsulates a single episode or self-contained incident with a smaller cast of characters.

Short Story of Shiloh - Short Story of Shiloh Research Papers look at an example of topics that one can write on when doing research on Shiloh by Bobbie Ann Mason.

Snows of Kilimanjaro - The Snows of Kilimanjaro essays are custom written on Hemingway's short story. Study the interior monoluge or the characters within the novel to understand one of Hemingway's most well-known stories.

Soy La Avon Lady and Other Short Stories - Soy LA Avon Lady and Other Short Stories Research Papers discuss short stories that deal with race, gender, and sexuality issues.

The Bet By Anton Chekhov - The Bet by Anton Chekhov essays examine a short story written by Russian author Anton Chekhov in 1889.

The Blue Hotel Summary - A summary on The Blue Hotel discuss the short story by Stephen Crane about a young man who gets in trouble during a stay at the Palace Hotel.

The Cask of Amontillado - The Cask of Amontillado research papers analyze Edgar Allen Poe's short story about revenge. Paper Masters is a research paper service like none other.

Tolstoy Short Stories - Essays on Tolstoy's short stories discuss the author examines the human condition in his short stories and major works.

Under African Skies - Under African Skies Research Papers go into a collection of African short stories with a variety of different themes.

Valley of Dead Air - The Valley of Dead Air Research Papers discuss the short story by Gary Pak about a native Hawaiian man dies, and a smell that lingers over the valley.


Paper Masters

  • Custom Written Papers
  • 100% Plagiarism Free
  • 24/7 Customer Service
  • Guaranteed Confidentiality
  • Text us for a Quote Today!
    1-570-301-7456

This is a topic on
Herman Melville Bartleby The Scrivener Research Papers

Herman Melville Bartleby the Scrivener research papers look into the various meanings found in the short story written by Herman Melville.

Choosing a Topic:

Can't decide on a topic? Need ideas or inspiration for research in your field of study? Paper Masters provides topic suggestions to make your decision easier.

Paper Masters Site Search