Bartleby by Herman Melville is a poignant exploration of alienation and the human condition, set against the backdrop of bustling Wall Street in 19th-century New York. The enigmatic Bartleby, a copyist hired by the story's narrator, initially proves a diligent worker. However, as the demands of the job weigh heavy on him, Bartleby utters his now-famous refrain: "I would prefer not to."

This seemingly innocuous statement transforms into a profound act of passive resistance, marking the beginning of Bartleby's descent into a realm of existential isolation. Melville's narrative delves into the complexities of individual autonomy and societal expectations, unraveling a tale that resonates with themes of free will and the consequences of rebelling against the machine of conformity.

HERMAN MELVILLE [1819-1891] was an American poet and novelist. Melville was not popular during his own lifetime and largely forgotten upon his death, however, during the 20th century his work was rediscovered and his novel Moby-Dick [1851] is today considered one of the great American novels.