mihai_cirstea's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
studydniowka's review against another edition
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Okay, it is basically a guidebook on how to squat your office, genius
catandherbooks's review against another edition
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
thisisfatima's review against another edition
challenging
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
ehurtubise's review against another edition
dark
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
grayfox14's review against another edition
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
topbob's review against another edition
5.0
This was my favorite short story for a long time. I liked it at the time of reading because the frequent use of dialogue made the story smoother to read than other 19th-century works, but the story left a lasting impact. I was hooked by the mysterious Bartleby, and by the end of it, my mind was still stuck pondering the story. I read it along with other friends who didn't get the story and reading the reviews I saw a lot of people misinterpreting it. I'll provide the following thought points:
Bartleby as a critique of capitalism
A. If this was a critique of capitalism, why would the employer be nice to Bartleby?
B. Why would Bartleby opt to stay in the building after being fired? If he was trapped by his wage, why wouldn't he leave to find another job that pays him a better wage?
C. Bartleby denies working, but he also denies food at the prison. Is Melville anti-food?
D. Assuming this was a critique of capitalism... what does Melville say about capitalism? Bartleby dies resisting capitalism so should we just obey capitalism? Does Melville just shallowly insist that capitalism is bad or are you overlooking something?
Bartleby as a critique of capitalism
A. If this was a critique of capitalism, why would the employer be nice to Bartleby?
B. Why would Bartleby opt to stay in the building after being fired? If he was trapped by his wage, why wouldn't he leave to find another job that pays him a better wage?
C. Bartleby denies working, but he also denies food at the prison. Is Melville anti-food?
D. Assuming this was a critique of capitalism... what does Melville say about capitalism? Bartleby dies resisting capitalism so should we just obey capitalism? Does Melville just shallowly insist that capitalism is bad or are you overlooking something?
ihyuca's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0