Bartleby the Scrivener
Book description
At the period just preceding the advent of Bartleby, I had two persons as copyists in my employment, and a promising lad as an office-boy. First, Turkey; second, Nippers; third, Ginger Nut. These may seem names, the like of which are not usually found in the Directory. In truth they…
Why read it?
2 authors picked Bartleby the Scrivener as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?
Everybody knows Ahab, but do you know Bartleby? It’s a strange story about a strange man, which, of course, attracts me. Bartleby is a lawyer’s copyist who decides he doesn’t want to do this sort of writing anymore and meets every instruction with the words: I would prefer not to. You can read Bartleby as simply a humorous tale. Or you can read it as a story of the existential crisis most writers, myself included, face at one time or the other. Melville was feeling dissatisfied with his choice of a writing career—the critics were unfriendly—and, in my opinion, the…
From R.H.'s list on stories you should read (but probably haven’t).
I’ve always loved this short novel, but after reading Byron Katie, I love it even more. Katie has a teaching she often talks and writes about which is the concept of ‘my business, your business, the universe’s business.’ She believes that if we always stay firmly grounded in/focused on ‘my business’, and let other people and the universe take care of their business, then we’ll spare ourselves so much unnecessary suffering. For example, if I think my dog shouldn’t bark at the postman every day, that’s me straying into my dog’s business — which I can’t control (I’ve tried and…
From Sophie's list on grudges and the fascinating ways they manifest.
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