Bartleby, the Scrivener

A quiet act of refusal becomes a profound meditation on work, isolation, and the human condition.

In Bartleby, the Scrivener, Herman Melville creates one of the most enigmatic and enduring short stories in American literature. Set in a Wall Street law office, the story follows a mild-mannered copyist named Bartleby whose simple response—“I would prefer not to”—gradually transforms him from a dependable employee into a figure of mystery and resistance.

As his employer struggles to understand and manage Bartleby’s increasingly withdrawn behavior, Melville explores themes of alienation, compassion, conformity, and the crushing effects of modern work. Both deeply moving and unsettling, Bartleby, the Scrivener remains a powerful examination of how society treats those who quietly step outside its expectations.

• First published in 1853
• One of the greatest short stories in American literature
• A landmark exploration of alienation and individual resistance

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A haunting and unforgettable masterpiece that continues to challenge readers with its questions about identity, dignity, and the meaning of human connection.

About the Author

Herman Melville (1819–1891) was an American novelist, short-story writer, and poet best known as the author of Moby-Dick, one of the greatest achievements of world literature. Drawing upon his experiences at sea and his deep interest in philosophy, society, and human nature, Melville created works that explored obsession, morality, freedom, and the limits of human understanding. Though underappreciated during his lifetime, he is now recognized as one of America’s most important literary figures.