I support the theory that Bartleby had a type of autism mostly because of his speech and physical behaviors. He is clearly unwilling to change, fails to initiate or even notice social cues in conversation, takes questions literally, and refuses assistance. But, despite these downfalls, Bartleby also displays the good characteristics of someone with autism, he is strongly self-disciplined. Even some of the most disciplined individuals cannot compete with their mind and body in order to successfully pull off a hunger strike. This also supports the theory that Bartleby's soul had died before his body; he had no reason to feed a body that only supported a miserable experience in this life. I think that the lawyer also feels this way, that his life is not worth living without his tedious work and schedules. "Established in my new quarters, or a day or two I kept the door locked, and started at every footfall in the passages," (Melville, 669). Who would want to live with such paranoia? This quote reveals how empty and miserable the lawyer's life is without his work.
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Bartleby the Scrivener
Bartleby the Scrivener by Herman Melville
I support the theory that Bartleby had a type of autism mostly because of his speech and physical behaviors. He is clearly unwilling to change, fails to initiate or even notice social cues in conversation, takes questions literally, and refuses assistance. But, despite these downfalls, Bartleby also displays the good characteristics of someone with autism, he is strongly self-disciplined. Even some of the most disciplined individuals cannot compete with their mind and body in order to successfully pull off a hunger strike. This also supports the theory that Bartleby's soul had died before his body; he had no reason to feed a body that only supported a miserable experience in this life. I think that the lawyer also feels this way, that his life is not worth living without his tedious work and schedules. "Established in my new quarters, or a day or two I kept the door locked, and started at every footfall in the passages," (Melville, 669). Who would want to live with such paranoia? This quote reveals how empty and miserable the lawyer's life is without his work.
I support the theory that Bartleby had a type of autism mostly because of his speech and physical behaviors. He is clearly unwilling to change, fails to initiate or even notice social cues in conversation, takes questions literally, and refuses assistance. But, despite these downfalls, Bartleby also displays the good characteristics of someone with autism, he is strongly self-disciplined. Even some of the most disciplined individuals cannot compete with their mind and body in order to successfully pull off a hunger strike. This also supports the theory that Bartleby's soul had died before his body; he had no reason to feed a body that only supported a miserable experience in this life. I think that the lawyer also feels this way, that his life is not worth living without his tedious work and schedules. "Established in my new quarters, or a day or two I kept the door locked, and started at every footfall in the passages," (Melville, 669). Who would want to live with such paranoia? This quote reveals how empty and miserable the lawyer's life is without his work.
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