Bartleby, the Scrivener

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Set against the backdrop of Wall Street, this short story explores the peculiar relationship between a lawyer and his enigmatic clerk, Bartleby. Initially diligent, Bartleby eventually declines to perform any tasks, famously stating, "I would prefer not to." This refusal raises profound questions about work, autonomy, and the human condition. Celebrated as a significant work in Melville's oeuvre, it has inspired extensive critical analysis, highlighting its themes of isolation and resistance within the modern capitalist society.