What causess Bartleby, scrivener not to conform to his duty as a scrivener

Answer 1

There are several possible reasons for Bartleby's refusal to conform to his duties as a scrivener in the story "Bartleby, the Scrivener" by Herman Melville. Some potential explanations for Bartleby's behavior include:

1. Mental illness: Bartleby's strange behavior and refusal to work may be a sign of a mental illness such as depression or anxiety. He displays signs of passive resistance and seems disconnected from the world around him.

2. Feeling of alienation: Bartleby may feel alienated or disconnected from the world due to his monotonous job as a scrivener. He may feel that his work is meaningless and that he has no purpose in life.

3. Nonconformity: Bartleby may simply be a nonconformist who refuses to follow society's rules and expectations. He may be rebelling against the strictures of his job and the expectations placed upon him by his employer.

4. Lack of motivation: Bartleby may lack motivation or interest in his work as a scrivener. He may feel unfulfilled or uninspired by his job, leading him to resist performing his duties.

Overall, the exact reason for Bartleby's refusal to conform to his duties as a scrivener is open to interpretation and may be a combination of these or other factors.