Discover books similar to "Bartleby the Scrivener"
Herman Melville
Bartleby the Scrivener
3.92
"Bartleby the Scrivener" is a short story by Herman Melville, first published in 1853, which explores themes of individuality, conformity, and the human condition in the context of a rapidly changing society. The story is narrated by the lawyer-narrator, who hires a quiet, polite, and efficient clerk named Bartleby to work in his office. However, Bartleby soon begins to resist the demands of his job, famously responding to requests with the phrase "I would prefer not to." As Bartleby's passive resistance to work continues, the lawyer-narrator becomes increasingly frustrated and conflicted, unsure of how to respond to Bartleby's behavior. The story raises questions about the nature of work, obedience, and the role of the individual in society. Melville's use of irony and subtle humor adds depth and complexity to the narrative, making "Bartleby the Scrivener" a rich and rewarding read. The story has been interpreted in many ways, including as a critique of the dehumanizing effects of industrialization and bureaucracy, a meditation on the nature of free will, and a commentary on the human tendency to conform to social expectations. Regardless of interpretation, "Bartleby the Scrivener" remains a classic of American literature, offering readers a thought-provoking exploration of the human experience. Overall, "Bartleby the Scrivener" is a powerful and poignant story that challenges readers to think deeply about the nature of work, obedience, and individuality. Its timeless themes and memorable characters make it a must-read for anyone interested in American literature or the human condition...
List of books similar to "Bartleby the Scrivener":
Joseph Conrad
The Secret Agent
Like 'Bartleby the Scrivener', this novel explores themes of alienation, existentialism, and the human condition. Set in late 19th-century London, 'The Secret Agent' follows the life of a failed anarchist who is coerced into planning a terrorist attack.
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Albert Camus
The Stranger
This existentialist novel, similar to 'Bartleby the Scrivener', delves into themes of absurdity, alienation, and the human experience. 'The Stranger' follows the story of an emotionally detached man who commits a senseless murder and the subsequent trial.
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Edgar Allan Poe
The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket
Poe's only complete novel, like 'Bartleby the Scrivener', features an unreliable narrator and explores themes of the unknown, the mysterious, and the human psyche. 'The Narrative of Arthur Gordon Pym of Nantucket' is a tale of a young man's adventures at sea.
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Herman Melville
Billy Budd, Sailor
This posthumously published novella by Melville shares similar themes with 'Bartleby the Scrivener', such as morality, social order, and the human condition. 'Billy Budd, Sailor' tells the story of a handsome and innocent sailor who is falsely accused of mutiny.
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J.D. Salinger
The Catcher in the Rye
Like 'Bartleby the Scrivener', this novel features an alienated protagonist who struggles to fit into society. 'The Catcher in the Rye' follows the story of a teenager, Holden Caulfield, who leaves his prep school and wanders around New York City.
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Franz Kafka
The Metamorphosis
This novella, similar to 'Bartleby the Scrivener', explores themes of alienation, existentialism, and the human condition. 'The Metamorphosis' tells the story of a man who wakes up one day to find himself transformed into a giant bug.
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Henry James
Washington Square
Like 'Bartleby the Scrivener', this novel features themes of social expectations, identity, and the human psyche. 'Washington Square' tells the story of a young woman who is courted by a fortune-hunting scoundrel and her father's attempts to protect her.
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Nikolai Gogol
The Nose
This short story, like 'Bartleby the Scrivener', explores themes of identity, the absurd, and the human condition. 'The Nose' tells the story of a government official who wakes up one day to find that his nose has left his face and is leading a life of its own.
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Douglas Adams
The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy
Like 'Bartleby the Scrivener', this novel features an alienated protagonist who struggles to make sense of the world around him. 'The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy' is a comedic science fiction story about a man who is saved from the destruction of Earth.
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Charlotte Perkins Gilman
The Yellow Wallpaper
This short story, like 'Bartleby the Scrivener', explores themes of mental illness, identity, and the human condition. 'The Yellow Wallpaper' tells the story of a woman who is confined to a room with yellow wallpaper as a treatment for her nervous condition.
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