Final answer:
Bartleby frequently says "I prefer not to" to Melville as a refusal to engage in work tasks outside of his chosen responsibilities, creating tension in the narrative of 'Bartleby, the Scrivener.'
Step-by-step explanation:
One of the recurring phrases that Bartleby says to Melville is "I prefer not to." This response is Bartleby's typical answer to almost any request or order given to him. Despite his constant industry and the initial appearance of being a valuable asset due to his dedication and presence, Bartleby's continual refusal to partake in tasks outside his chosen scope of work, including examining his own copies or running errands, creates a significant barrier in his relationship with his employer, Melville.
Melville is both frustrated and disarmed by Bartleby's passive resistance and his invariable expression of preference against complying with typical workplace demands. This conflict between Bartleby's steadfast non-compliance and Melville's growing exasperation forms the central tension of Herman Melville's story Bartleby, the Scrivener.