A review by sharonus
Bartleby the Scrivener by Herman Melville

challenging mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I have heard the main character of this book discussed as someone who "rejects capitalism."  I can't say I agree with that.  It's not like he does the minimum at his job and uses all the money and time he has to go out in the world and enjoy life.  Instead, he

stays in an office doing nothing but staring at a blank wall.  When he is ejected from the office he stands on a stair in the hall unmoving. Finally, he is taken to prison where he stands in the yard until he dies of starvation having "preferred not to" eat.  He's not a hero--he literally sounds mentally ill.

  Honestly, I found the story mildly interesting, but--in my humble opinion--a commentary on the working class it was not.