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korrick 's review for:
Bartleby the Scrivener
by Herman Melville
I can understand why the Occupy movement took to this book so well. The titular character after a while does nothing but occupy his chosen workplace, in a sort of calm refusal to acquiesce to anyone's demands that would be the envy of any peaceful protester. There is a certain elegance to Bartleby's constant response of 'I would prefer not to' to any demand made of him, especially when it not only makes those who talk to him respect his wishes, but even causes the word 'prefer' to crop up more in their speaking. It's also necessary to note that the event that caused this persistent occupancy was the abrupt termination of Bartleby's previous employment, something many of the Occupy protesters can relate to. All in all, I liked this story for beautifully demonstrating the sometimes startlingly powerful effects of peaceful protest, as well as being a prime example of words written long ago being still very much applicable today.
Also this book gave me hope for reading Moby Dick; Melville's writing is much more engaging than I had assumed.
Also this book gave me hope for reading Moby Dick; Melville's writing is much more engaging than I had assumed.