Bartleby the Scrivener

What is the story 'Bartleby the Scrivener' about?

• the triumph of idealism over realism

• ambition, treachery, and betrayal

• the irreconcilable differences between two strong-willed persons

• alienation, the way that people in workplaces are made to feel isolated

Answer explanation

The story 'Bartleby the Scrivener' is about alienation and the way people in workplaces are made to feel isolated. This is depicted through the character Bartleby, who prefers to do nothing rather than participating in the normal office activities, thus symbolizing the feeling of isolation in work environments. It is not about idealism, ambition or irreconcilable differences between persons.

What is ironic about the juxtaposition of Bartleby's temperament with Turkey and Nippers?

• It suggests they are all interchangeable office drones, one the same as the next.

• It foreshadows Bartleby's positive effect on his fellow copy clerks. Unlike them, he worked day and night.

• For all their faults, Turkey and Nippers give the boss the least problems by the end.

• It highlights the differences in their personalities. For example, Bartleby is calm and hard-working, while Turkey is 'flighty' and Nippers is too fiery.

Answer explanation

The irony lies in the fact that even with their individual faults, Turkey and Nippers end up providing the least trouble for their boss. This contrasts with Bartleby who, despite his calm demeanor, becomes a significant problem, highlighting the unexpected outcome.

What is a significant effect of the setting of this story?

• The story takes place in a law office during the 1800s.

• Bartleby's presence in his boss' office symbolizes his high status.

• The placement of Bartleby's desk symbolizes a sense of being boxed in, separate from other people.

• The narrator's decision to open or close the doors conveys the attitude of good will and bonhomie he bears for his employees.

Answer explanation

The correct answer is that the placement of Bartleby's desk symbolizes a sense of being boxed in, separate from other people. This is significant because it underscores Bartleby's isolation within the office setting, emphasizing his detachment from others around him, which is a central theme in the story.

What does the 'high green folding screen' in the narrator's office symbolize?

• the narrator's genuine concern for the well-being of his employees

• the narrator's wish to feel emotionally connected to his employees

• the narrator's power over his employees

• the tranquility of nature

Answer explanation

The 'high green folding screen' in the question symbolizes the narrator's power over his employees. The screen can be seen as a physical barrier that separates the narrator from his employees, representing a power dynamic where the narrator has control and authority over them.

What kind of figurative language is exemplified by the line, 'As if long famishing for something to copy, he seemed to gorge himself on my documents. There was no pause for digestion'?

• allegory

• allusion

• personification

• simile

Answer explanation

The given line from the question, 'As if long famishing for something to copy, he seemed to gorge himself on my documents. There was no pause for digestion', is a simile. A simile is a figurative language that makes a comparison between two unlike things using 'like' or 'as'. In the phrase, the writer uses 'as if' to compare the eagerness of copying documents to the act of gorging, making it a simile.

What is the purpose of the allusion, or brief reference, to the English poet and adventurer Lord Byron in paragraph 5?

• to suggest that Bartleby has a poetic nature

• to contrast the narrator's own pragmatic worldview with that of the poet.

• to emphasize Bartleby's cheerful idealism

• to underscore the profound dullness of Bartleby's work

Answer explanation

The allusion to Lord Byron, a Romantic poet, is used to highlight the irony of Bartleby's profoundly dull work. The Romantic era is characterized by emotions, passion, and grand gestures, which starkly contrasts to Bartleby's mundane and monotonous job. Therefore, the reference serves to underscore the dullness of his work.

What does the word 'moon-struck' mean?

• disobedient

• dreaming

• inspired

• insane

Answer explanation

The word 'moon-struck' is often used to describe someone who is mentally unbalanced, wild or insane. It's a term that comes from the belief that the moon can cause insanity, giving rise to terms like 'lunatic'. The options 'disobedient', 'dreaming', and 'inspired' do not match the meaning of 'moon-struck'. Therefore, the answer is 'insane'.

What is the effect of the repetition of Bartleby's statement 'I would prefer not to'?

• It amplifies the hurried and careless nature in which he completes his work.

• It reveals his soft-spoken rejection of the office way-of-life.

• It reveals that, in the end, he lets his temper get the best of him.

• It suggests that he has fallen in love with the daughter of his supervisor

Answer explanation

The question asks about the impact of Bartleby's repeated phrase 'I would prefer not to'. The correct answer reveals that this repetition is a subtle way for Bartleby to express his rejection of the office's way of life. This phrase becomes his form of quiet resistance against the norms and expectations of his workplace.

Why doesn't the narrator fire Bartleby immediately?

• he worries that Bartleby will become aggressive

• Bartley's charismatic nature could lead the other scriveners to follow him if challenged

• the narrator has a lackadaisical approach to management

• Bartleby's demeanor is neither impertinent nor belligerent

Answer explanation

The question asks why the narrator doesn't dismiss Bartleby straight away. The correct answer is that Bartleby's demeanor is neither impertinent nor belligerent. This suggests that Bartleby's conduct, despite his refusal to perform tasks, isn't disrespectful or confrontational, which might make the narrator hesitate to fire him immediately.

In the passages like this one, “I prefer not to,” he replied in a flute-like tone”---

• Bartleby provokes the narrator in order to impress his coworkers

• the narrator yields to Bartleby’s quiet insistence as well as the reasons he gives for his inaction

• Bartleby’s tranquil way of speaking seem to have a hypnotic effect on the narrator

• the narrator is paralyzed by fury

Answer explanation

The question talks about a passage where Bartleby speaks in a tranquil, flute-like tone. The correct answer is that this way of speaking appears to have a hypnotic effect on the narrator. This is inferred from the description of Bartleby's tone and response, suggesting it somehow influences the narrator's reactions or perceptions.