Final answer:
The blinking cursor does not take any actions on its own but represents the state of potentiality, waiting for the writer's input. It can symbolically offer inspiration or be seen as mocking writer's block, depending on the writer's feelings and the literary context.
Step-by-step explanation:
The blinking cursor on the computer screen does not perform any actions by itself, such as offering inspiration, mocking writer's block, typing a story, or providing suggestions. Instead, it symbolizes potentiality and awaits the writer's input. In the context of literature, the blinking cursor might evoke different feelings or represent a state of mind. For instance, a writer facing writer's block may feel that the cursor is mocking them, as it continues to blink without words being typed. On the other hand, it could be seen as offering a blank slate for inspiration to strike. These are metaphorical interpretations that can vary based on the writer's perspective and context of the work. In the provided examples, Bartleby chooses not to write, demonstrating a reflective process rather than the physical act of writing influenced by the presence of the cursor. The second example illustrates how a character's quirks can be used to reflect their personality and the writer's own development over the course of their education.