Bartleby and Benito Cereno
by Herman Melville
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Book Summary Information
Author: Herman MelvilleEditor: Stanley Appelbaum
Edition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 1990-07-01
ISBN: 0486264734
Number of pages: 112
Publisher: Dover Publications
Book Reviews of Bartleby and Benito Cereno
Book Review: On the Hinge of Human Existence
Summary: 5 Stars
The story of Bartleby is an interesting one. It is a very thought provoking tale. As I read many reviews of this story I have seen a lot of discussion of the main character Bartleby, with good reason. But it is also interesting to look at our story's narrator... Bartleby's employer.From the outset he is a man intrigued by his employees. The story begins with his description of 3 employees: Turkey, Ginger Nut and Nippers. He has these 3 gentlemen as workers and seems genuinely interested in their apparent strengths and weaknesses... especially the weaknesses.
Then enters Bartleby-- the stoic worker who respectfully uses his ringing statement of defiance, "I would prefer not to."
It is fascinating to see the narrator deal with Bartleby and his passive resistance. I suppose he could have swiftly dismissed his insubordinate worker. And have ended his relationship with him quickly. But, this was not the course of action taken. He seemed to see a specific responsibility to Bartleby. He felt like he must provide some type of framework for Bartleby to exist in. Even when he discovers Bartleby living in the office, he continues to carefully support Bartleby. Why was this his approach? Our narrator seemed to sense an important role in helping his apparently marginalized worker.
I especially enjoyed the narrator's thoughts on his supposedly predestined situation. Was it his divinely ordained responsibility to deal with Bartleby? Was he serving some great role in this man's survival and possible redemption? I believe that's why he stuck it out with Bartleby for so long.
This short story is intriguing in that it should push us all to be more socially responsible. Even when the responsibility pushes us to be outside our comfort zone. In most of the instances in which the narrator felt like dealing with Bartleby harshly... he was prodded by peer pressure or driven by a fear of looking bad. Does it really matter how we look in the eyes of the world? Or does it matter more what we do, out of love for fellow man? It shouldn't matter if we look foolish or weak... especially if we are putting others first.
Bartleby teaches me, that I have a strong responsibility to my fellow human beings. If I see someone outside the bounds of what we would call "normal society", what can I do to help them? How can I show them love and respect? It's too bad when someone decides to drop out like Bartleby... Life means too much for anyone to do that.
Bartleby stood on the hinge of human existence and chose to swing out into the abyss. You may stand there one day, too. Which way will you swing?
Summary of Bartleby and Benito Cereno
Two memorable and stirring works in one volume. "Bartleby," (also called "Bartleby the Scrivener") is a haunting moral allegory set in the business world of 19th-century New York. "Benito Cereno," a harrowing tale of slavery and revolt aboard a Spanish ship, is regarded by many as Melville's finest short story.
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