Final answer:
The phrase "I would prefer not to" is a crucial element in characterizing Bartleby as it exemplifies his passive resistance and existential disconnection, giving rise to tension and challenging societal norms.
Step-by-step explanation:
The repetition of the phrase "I would prefer not to" in Herman Melville's story "Bartleby, the Scrivener" serves a critical role in developing Bartleby's character. This refrain is central to the narrative as it highlights Bartleby's quiet resistance to the demands of a conformist society and his employer's expectations. His steadfast refusal to conform, represented by his repeated assertion of preference, reflects a deep existential disconnection and passive rebellion that is at the core of his character.
Through this singular response, Bartleby conveys a sense of individual agency and enigmatic defiance. The consistent use of this phrase also molds the reader's understanding of Bartleby, presenting him as an inscrutable figure whose motives and thoughts are inaccessible. Moreover, the repetition of this passive resistance creates an air of tension and confusion within the office, revealing the limited control the narrator, and by extension society, has over an individual's will.
Ultimately, the phrase "I would prefer not to" becomes a powerful symbol of passive resistance and personal autonomy which starkly contrasts with the mechanized and dehumanizing environment of the legal office. Bartleby's repeated refusal to engage in the usual social and occupational exchanges challenges the norms and forces characters and readers alike to question the nature of work, purpose, and human interaction.