Bartleby el escribiente, resumen y comentarios

Introduction to "El Escribiente"

Overview of the Book

• The video discusses the book "El Escribiente" by Herman, published in 1863. It centers around a lawyer in New York City who hires a scribe named Barleby.

• Initially, Barleby is an efficient employee but gradually begins to refuse tasks requested by the lawyer, leading to tension.

Characters and Setting

• The story is narrated by an unnamed lawyer based in Wall Street, who is successful and manages four employees dealing with significant financial documents.

• Barleby stands out as a solitary yet prodigious worker, initially performing his duties impeccably before his refusal to comply with requests begins.

Barleby's Refusal

Shift in Behavior

• A pivotal moment occurs when Barleby responds to a request from the lawyer with "I would prefer not to," marking the start of his noncompliance.

• Despite continuing his daily tasks effectively, he consistently declines any additional responsibilities outside of his routine work.

Living Situation Revelation

• The lawyer discovers that Barleby has been living in the office after encountering him there on a Sunday while dropping off documents. This raises questions about Barleby's personal life and choices.

• When pressed for answers about why he lives at work, Barleby again replies with "I would prefer not to," further complicating their relationship.

Consequences of Noncompliance

Dismissal Attempts

• As Barleby's refusal escalates, the lawyer feels compelled to dismiss him; however, Barleby refuses to leave even after being told he is fired. His response remains consistent: "I would prefer not to be dismissed."

• Unable to physically remove him from the office, the lawyer decides to relocate his practice entirely rather than confront Barleby's stubbornness directly.

Aftermath and New Tenants

• Following the lawyer's departure, new tenants move into the building but are disturbed by Barleby's continued presence; they complain about him living there without permission.

Tragic Conclusion

Final Fate of Barleby

• Eventually apprehended for vagrancy due to living in the office unlawfully, Barleby ends up in jail where he refuses food and ultimately dies from starvation.

• In closing remarks, it’s suggested that his behavior may stem from previous experiences working with unclaimed letters prior to joining this law firm.

This summary encapsulates key themes and events within "El Escribiente," highlighting character dynamics and critical plot developments throughout its narrative arc.

The Complexity of the Narrator in "Bartleby, the Scrivener"

The Role of the Narrator

• The narrator reveals more about himself than about Bartleby, suggesting that he is the true protagonist rather than Bartleby.

• Initially passive, the narrator evolves to develop a deep sense of pity and compassion for Bartleby as events unfold.

Bartleby's Characterization

• Bartleby is portrayed as an opaque and mysterious figure; little is learned about him throughout the story.

• His repeated phrase "I would prefer not to" symbolizes his resistance to societal norms without revealing his motivations or desires.

Themes of Conformity and Alienation

• A central theme is conformity, set against Wall Street's financial backdrop, which can stifle individuality.

• The narrative suggests that workers like Bartleby merely replicate existing documents, reflecting a lack of creativity and identity.

Resistance Against Capitalism

• Bartleby's refusal to work can be seen as a form of resistance against capitalist pressures to conform and produce conventionally.

• This mirrors Melville's own struggles with commercial success versus artistic integrity in his writing career.

Existential Undertones

• Bartleby's fate serves as a metaphor for alienation within social structures that demand conformity at the expense of individuality.

• His tragic end highlights existential themes, positioning him as an antihero who rejects a meaningless existence.

Reflection on Modern Work Life

• The story prompts reflection on contemporary work environments where individual expression may be suppressed by corporate demands.

• It critiques social conformity while exploring human psyche issues relevant even today.

The Art of Various Skills

Expanding the Definition of Art

• The speaker discusses how art transcends traditional forms like painting and music, suggesting it includes skills such as creating websites and Excel spreadsheets.

• Emphasizes that various activities can be seen as an art form, including conversation, sales, presentations, language learning, communication, and video creation.

Barlevy's Work Experience

• Introduces Barlevy’s role at a notary office on Wall Street where he handled important documents and transactions.

• Reflects on the perception of Barlevy's job as potentially boring but suggests that appreciation for different types of work varies among individuals.

Passion in Different Fields

• Shares an anecdote about a friend in metallurgy who passionately explains metal alloys; highlights how enthusiasm can make even mundane topics engaging.

• Discusses the importance of understanding processes like cooling metals to achieve desired properties, showcasing how expertise can captivate others despite their initial disinterest.

Team Dynamics and Expectations

• Describes Barlevy’s reluctance to go beyond his basic job responsibilities and the implications this has for teamwork.

• Explores the emotional conflict experienced by Barlevy’s boss when considering whether to fire him due to his lack of engagement with team dynamics.

Reflections on Professional Growth

• Highlights the necessity for employees to sometimes exceed their defined roles to integrate into teams effectively and advance their careers.

• Concludes with thoughts on expectations in corporate environments where workers are often required to perform beyond their job descriptions for success.

Final Thoughts on Literature

• Recommends a book that provokes thought about personal growth and professional identity; emphasizes its timeless relevance.

• Encourages viewers to reflect on their own experiences related to teamwork and individual contributions within professional settings.