Explain the significance of Bartleby's mantra "I would prefer not to" in Melville's short story "Bartleby the Scrivener." How does it function differently than if he had said, for instance, "I will not" or "I do not want to"?

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Johan Hebert

1 September, 09:20

Explain the significance of Bartleby's mantra "I would prefer not to" in Melville's short story "Bartleby the Scrivener." How does it function differently than if he had said, for instance, "I will not" or "I do not want to"?

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Randall Gay · Answer 1

Both are beautiful in their own way.

Both struggle in their environment. Both are fragile creatures. Both tragically die.

Both are rare and unusual.