Bartleby, the Scrivener

In a bustling Wall Street office, a mild-mannered lawyer encounters an unusual employee named Bartleby. Initially fascinated by this unconventional scrivener, the lawyer quickly finds himself baffled by Bartleby's passive resistance to work and life. As Bartleby begins to refuse tasks with a simple, "I would prefer not to," the story unravels into a poignant exploration of individuality, isolation, and the human condition.

Through Melville's masterful prose, readers are invited to reflect on the complexities of modern existence and the struggles of conformity. Bartleby's enigmatic behavior raises profound questions about the nature of work, purpose, and the depths of despair in a world that often values productivity over humanity.