Why does bartleby stop working

For instance, early in the story the Lawyer tells the reader that he once gave his scrivener Turkey a coat, and that Turkey became very protective of it, and even a little egotistical about having it. But even more significant than this level of detail is Melville's pacing.

Like films and music, stories can be paced, and Melville is a very methodical writer. His stories are generally paced very slowly, though they often have one or two scenes of intense action for instance, the escape of Don Benito in "Benito Cereno," or the last few chapters of Moby Dick.

Usually, these intense scenes serve as a climax or a revelation to all that has occurred before it. In "Bartleby," this action occurs in the rapid imprisonment, decline and death of Bartleby, all in the space of about three pages the exact climax is probably when the Lawyer, after confronting Bartleby on the banister, is refused for the last time, and leaves Bartleby to be taken to prison.

Though Bartleby's imprisonment and death seem like an inevitable conclusion to this sad tale, the speed with which it all occurs makes it seem like an afterthought, as if it isn't that important. By making his climax and falling action so swift, Melville forces the reader to be more considerate of everything leading up to it. SparkTeach Teacher's Handbook. Character List Bartleby. Themes Motifs Symbols.

Important Quotes Explained. Mini Essays Suggested Essay Topics. In the end, we don't know what it was that Bartleby "preferred," and we are left to ponder the mystery of his death. Parents Home Homeschool College Resources.

Study Guide. By Herman Melville. Previous Next. Conflict Bartleby "prefers not to" examine a paper with the Narrator. Complication Bartleby "gives up" work and is fired…sort of. Climax Unable to get rid of Bartleby, the Narrator moves to another building.

Suspense Bartleby continues to haunt the Narrator's old office. Denouement Bartleby is taken to prison. Conclusion Bartleby dies. What's Up With the Ending? Tired of ads? The lawyer makes final pleas, even offering to take Bartleby home with him. Still, the scrivener prefers not to make any change, and the narrator flees the city in his frustration.

On his return, he learns that Bartleby has been taken to the Tombs, the forbiddingly named city prison, as a vagrant. Alike the dead letter office, if employees continue to purposely do the same task every day, they will not strive to do better.