Summary of Classical Stuff You Should Know - Episode 275: Herman Melville's "Bartleby the Scrivener"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Classical Stuff You Should Know
• Hosts: A.J. Hanenburg, Graeme Donaldson, and Thomas Magbee
• Episode: 275: Herman Melville's "Bartleby the Scrivener"
• Release Date: March 4, 2025

Introduction

In Episode 275 of Classical Stuff You Should Know, hosts A.J. Hanenburg, Graeme Donaldson, and Thomas Magbee delve into Herman Melville's classic short story, "Bartleby the Scrivener." Intended as a precursor to their upcoming discussions on Melville's epic Moby Dick, this episode provides listeners with an insightful exploration of the novella's themes, characters, and its enduring relevance in both literary and modern contexts.

Herman Melville: A Glimpse into His Life

Early Life and Education

Thomas Magbee (00:10) kicks off the episode by introducing the trio and setting the stage for their deep dive into Melville's work. They begin by outlining Herman Melville's early life:

• Birth and Family: Born on August 1, 1819, in New York City, Melville was the third of eight children to Alan Melville and Maria Gansevoort Melville (04:03).
• Education: Despite early setbacks, such as contracting scarlet fever at age seven which affected his speech and comprehension (06:14), Melville excelled academically, eventually attending the esteemed Albany Academy (06:27).
• Career Struggles: After his father's untimely death in 1831, Melville faced financial hardships that led him to various jobs, including teaching and whaling. His experiences at sea on vessels like the St. Lawrence and the Akushnit profoundly influenced his literary work (08:20).

Literary Career and Personal Life

• Early Works: Melville authored several successful books in the mid-19th century, including Typee and Omoo, which garnered him popularity (12:00).
• Marriage and Family: In 1847, Melville married Lizzie Knapp Shaw, and the couple had multiple children. Despite his prolific writing, Melville faced critical and commercial failures later in life, notably with Pierre and The Piazza Tales (16:44).
• Later Years: Struggling with nervous exhaustion and societal pressures, Melville eventually took a stable position as a customs inspector, where he remained until retirement (23:35).

Notable Quote: Thomas Magbee [04:20]:
"Melville's dad, Alan, didn't go right to college, but went to France, where he learned fluent French, which makes sense as he is an importer of French goods."

Exploring "Bartleby the Scrivener"

Plot Overview

AJ Hanenberg (02:24) introduces "Bartleby the Scrivener," highlighting its concise yet impactful narrative:

• Setting: The story is set in a Wall Street law office in New York City.
• Main Characters:
  • Narrator: An elderly, unambitious lawyer managing his small practice.
  • Bartleby: A quiet, enigmatic scrivener who initially excels but gradually refuses tasks with his catchphrase, "I would prefer not to."
  • Turkey and Nippers: Existing scriveners with contrasting temperaments.
  • Gingernut: The young office assistant responsible for fetching cakes.

Key Themes and Analysis

1. Isolation and Alienation:

   • Bartleby's solitary existence and eventual withdrawal symbolize the pervasive sense of isolation in modern urban life.
   • Quote:
     AJ Hanenberg [41:27]:
     "Bartleby died from refusing to eat the food."

2. Passive Resistance:

   • Bartleby's consistent refusals challenge the narrator's authority and highlight the futility of attempting to control individual autonomy.
   • Quote:
     AJ Hanenberg [35:00]:
     "I would prefer not to, he replied in a flute-like tone."

3. Compassion and Charity:

   • The narrator's wavering between empathy and frustration underscores the complexities of human compassion when faced with inexplicable behavior.
   • Quote:
     AJ Hanenberg [43:47]:
     "I will briefly mention it. The report was this: that Bartleby had been subordinate clerk in the Dead Letter Office at Washington..."

4. Bureaucratic Indifference:

   • The story critiques the impersonal nature of bureaucratic systems that can alienate and dehumanize individuals.
   • Quote:
     AJ Hanenberg [52:41]:
     "Dead letters. Does it not sound like dead men?"

Host Discussions and Perspectives

• Melville's Intent: The hosts speculate on Melville's motivations, suggesting that Bartleby represents both a personal and societal critique.
• Modern Parallels: They draw connections between Bartleby's passive resistance and contemporary workplace dynamics, likening his behavior to modern-day phenomena like the refusal of unnecessary corporate tasks.
• Psychological Depth: The episode explores the psychological dimensions of Bartleby's character, contemplating his underlying despair and existential choices.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps:

• Thomas Magbee [04:01]:
  "He had a great home life, though his dad was devoted, sensible, warm-loving. The mother was devoted to her husband and her brood and was simple and industrious."

• AJ Hanenberg [34:57]:
  "It's literally his job. Saying no, he just says, I would prefer not to."

• Graham Donaldson [17:12]:
  "But I think it's the rise of the psychological."

• Thomas Magbee [58:07]:
  "Bartleby is in one sense, like you were saying, he's free. He's definitely like he's rejected all the things that he doesn't want to do."

Comparative Analysis: "Bartleby" and Moby Dick

The hosts draw parallels between "Bartleby the Scrivener" and Melville's later work, Moby Dick, emphasizing themes of obsession, humanity, and the struggle against insurmountable forces.

• Obsession:

  • While Moby Dick centers on Captain Ahab's monomaniacal pursuit of the white whale, "Bartleby" examines a different kind of obsession—Bartleby's relentless adherence to his own principles, irrespective of external consequences.

• Human Condition:

  • Both works delve deep into the human psyche, exploring motivations, despair, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.

Host Reflections:

• Thomas Magbee:
  "He did what he could and kept trying, but he kept getting rejected."

• Graham Donaldson:
  "Everyone has a dream of freedom, right? I want to be able to live a life where I don't have to. I can only do what I want to do..."

Concluding Thoughts

As the episode wraps up, the hosts reflect on the profound impact of "Bartleby the Scrivener" and its relevance to contemporary issues of autonomy, mental health, and societal expectations. They express anticipation for their upcoming discussion on Moby Dick, encouraging listeners to engage with Melville's works to uncover deeper insights into the human experience.

Closing Remarks:

• AJ Hanenberg [62:04]:
  "I cannot recommend it more. It's a fun little tale. It's Herman Melville. And if you enjoyed that, hopefully you'll enjoy Moby Dick, which is coming up."

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