Read the sentence below and answer the following question:

But he answered not a word; like the last column of some ruined temple, he remained standing mute and solitary in the middle of the otherwise deserted room. - Herman Melville, "Bartleby the Scrivener"

In the bolded section, how does the addition of "not a word" change the impact of this introductory clause?

Question

English

Genevieve Shepard

5 August, 08:04

Read the sentence below and answer the following question:

But he answered not a word; like the last column of some ruined temple, he remained standing mute and solitary in the middle of the otherwise deserted room. - Herman Melville, "Bartleby the Scrivener"

In the bolded section, how does the addition of "not a word" change the impact of this introductory clause?

+5

Answers (1)

Know the Answer?

Dillon · Answer 1

A It emphasizes the lack of response: no answer was given at all.

Explanation:

In Herman Melville's Bartleby the Scrivener, the story revolves around the incompatibility of the narrator / lawyer who hired Bartleby. But due to his 'weird' change in not heeding his boss's words, the narrator wonders why Bartleby suddenly decided to up and stop doing anything he's ordered to do.

Considering his previous work ethics and how he had diligently worked, completing all tasks assigned to him, the Lawyer was stupefied to find his requests refused. Bartleby's response of "I would prefer not to" for every request led the narrator unable to even scold him. Bartleby's calm yet firm response for all tasks and his slogan of "I would prefer not to" is the main focus of the story. And in consideration to that response, the use of the word "not a word" greatly emphasizes the lack or absolute absence of response from the expected man.