“I would prefer not to”

How many times did Bartleby utter the same words, “I would prefer not to”? And how did the author and his clerks come to be influenced by the repetitions of the same expression?

English Literature, Literature /

Answer: Bartleby the Scrivener repeated the statement “I would prefer not to” many times in the story. Throughout the story, whenever he was asked to do something, he uttered the words— “I would prefer not to”. This statement influenced the author and his copyists in a mysterious way. This statement foreshadows Bartleby’s previous stay at […]

How many times did Bartleby utter the same words, “I would prefer not to”? And how did the author and his clerks come to be influenced by the repetitions of the same expression? Read More »

Why did the author not dismiss Bartleby when he replied, “I would prefer not to” a few days after his joining the author’s office?

English Literature, Literature /

Or Why did the author not take any violent measure to dismiss Bartleby from service when he said, “I would prefer not to” to call for performing his duty? Or What considerations induced the author to reconcile himself to Bartleby for some time, but to take some action at last? Answer: Despite Bartleby’s constant refusal

Why did the author not dismiss Bartleby when he replied, “I would prefer not to” a few days after his joining the author’s office? Read More »