Why Does the Lawyer Hire Bartleby?
In Herman Melville’s short story, "Bartleby, the Scrivener: A Story of Wall Street," the lawyer hires Bartleby, a young man with no experience, to work as a scrivener in his law firm. At first glance, it may seem like a strange decision, but upon closer examination, it becomes clear that the lawyer has his reasons. In this article, we will explore the motivations behind the lawyer’s decision to hire Bartleby.
The Need for a New Employee
The lawyer’s law firm is facing a significant workload, and he is struggling to keep up with the demands of his clients. He needs someone to help him with the paperwork and administrative tasks, and he decides to hire a new employee to assist him. Bartleby, with his keen eye for detail and quick learning skills, seems like the perfect candidate for the job.
The Benefits of Hiring a New Employee
By hiring Bartleby, the lawyer hopes to alleviate some of the pressure and stress that comes with running a busy law firm. With an additional pair of hands, he can focus on more important tasks, such as client meetings and court appearances. Additionally, hiring a new employee can bring fresh ideas and perspectives to the firm, which can help to stimulate growth and innovation.
The Lawyer’s Perception of Bartleby
When the lawyer first meets Bartleby, he is struck by the young man’s quiet and reserved nature. Bartleby is not like the other scriveners he has hired in the past, who are often loud and boisterous. Instead, Bartleby is reserved and polite, with a keen sense of focus. The lawyer is impressed by Bartleby’s skills and decides to give him a chance.
The Lawyer’s Expectations
The lawyer has certain expectations for Bartleby’s performance. He expects him to be diligent and hardworking, and to maintain a high level of accuracy in his work. He also expects Bartleby to be friendly and courteous to clients and colleagues. The lawyer believes that Bartleby’s reserved nature will allow him to focus on his work without distractions, and that his keen eye for detail will help him to spot errors and inconsistencies.
The Lawyer’s Reaction to Bartleby’s Performance
At first, Bartleby performs exceptionally well. He is diligent and hardworking, and he quickly becomes an asset to the law firm. However, as time goes on, the lawyer begins to notice that Bartleby is becoming increasingly withdrawn and isolated. He stops communicating with his colleagues and starts to ignore the lawyer’s requests. The lawyer is confused and concerned by Bartleby’s behavior, and he tries to find out what is wrong.
The Lawyer’s Changing Attitude
As the lawyer continues to work with Bartleby, he begins to see him in a different light. He realizes that Bartleby is not just a hardworking employee, but a complex and multifaceted individual with his own thoughts and feelings. The lawyer starts to feel a sense of empathy and compassion for Bartleby, and he begins to see the world from his perspective.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the lawyer hires Bartleby because he needs a new employee to help with the workload and he is impressed by Bartleby’s skills and quiet nature. The lawyer expects Bartleby to be diligent and hardworking, and to maintain a high level of accuracy in his work. However, as Bartleby’s behavior changes, the lawyer is forced to reevaluate his expectations and to see Bartleby in a new light. The story of Bartleby, the scrivener, is a powerful exploration of the human condition, and it highlights the importance of empathy and compassion in our relationships with others.
Table: The Lawyer’s Expectations vs. Bartleby’s Performance
| Expectation | Bartleby’s Performance |
|---|---|
| Diligent and hardworking | Initially, yes; later, no |
| Friendly and courteous | Initially, yes; later, no |
| Accurate and detail-oriented | Initially, yes; later, no |
Bullets: The Lawyer’s Changing Attitude
• At first, the lawyer sees Bartleby as a hardworking employee who needs guidance and direction.
• As Bartleby’s behavior changes, the lawyer begins to see him as a complex and multifaceted individual with his own thoughts and feelings.
• The lawyer starts to feel a sense of empathy and compassion for Bartleby, and he begins to see the world from his perspective.
• The lawyer realizes that Bartleby is not just a hardworking employee, but a person with his own strengths and weaknesses.
- Who is the annoying character in Baldur’s Gate?
- Who is Kenshin’s rival?
- Does Far Cry 3 have a multiplayer mode?
- How is Kraid alive in Metroid Dread?
- What happens if you do the Trial of the Sword?
- How do you make an ultimate healing potion in Skyrim?
- What is the best gun in Modern Warfare 2 ranked game?
- Can you survive a zombie bite in project zomboid?