The Quarrel of Social Responsibility Vs Social Isolation in Bartleby, The Scrivener Essay Essay Sample

While the narrator initially feels pity and empathy for Bartleby, his attitude quickly changes to repulsion and fear. Bartleby’s simple statement, “I prefer not to,” frustrates the narrator, and he decides to move his business elsewhere. However, the narrator is ultimately proud of himself for leaving Bartleby without getting angry. The conflict of social responsibility vs social isolation is a central theme of the story, and the narrator’s duality is evident in his changing attitudes towards Bartleby.