Bartleby, the Scrivener : a Story of Wall-Street

The story, first serialized in 1853, explores themes of isolation, the human condition, and the conflicts between individual will and societal expectations.

It is narrated by a Wall Street lawyer who describes his interactions with Bartleby, a new scrivener who initially demonstrates exceptional diligence but gradually declines to perform any tasks.

The narrative delves into the surreal interactions between the lawyer and Bartleby, culminating in Bartleby's ultimate fate in a prison setting, which raises deeper existential questions about humanity, purpose, and societal neglect.