Question

In at least 100 words, explain the significance of Bartleby's mantra "I would prefer not to" in Melville's short story "Bartleby the Scrivener." How does it function differently than if he had said, for instance, "I will not" or "I do not want to"?

Answer 1

Bartleby's mantra of "I would prefer not to," in the short story titled "Bartleby the Scrivener," written by Herman Melville, is significant because it emphasizes that he is not only rejecting the order to complete the task he was assigned, but he is also doing so in a polite manner. In responding firmly but politely, Bartleby's boss would have no excuse had he decided to punish Bartleby for it. If Bartleby had said something along the lines of "I will not" or "I do not want to," however, his boss could have responded in kind by becoming angry and punishing him for his refusal to do the task.

Step-by-step explanation:

Please answer in your own words :)

Answer 2

The choice of this phrase has a paradoxical meaning in a way that Bartleby refuses to do the task asked from him and the expression of this rejection. It is a refusal, but at the same time it is a polite refusal because even when his boss asks again "You will not?", he answers again with "I prefer not". The phrase emphasizes Bartleby's passive resistance. The different use of the phrase, of course could have had a different effect in the story. It might cause a different demonstration and a different ending for the story. The boss could have replied differently because the refusal would be not polite then. However, the choice is intentional because of the development of the story. Therefore, it is suitable in its own way.