The Use Of employés In Bartleby, The Scrivener By Herman Melville
Introduction
As I delved into the world of Herman Melville's "Bartleby, the Scrivener: A Story of Wall Street," I found myself intrigued by the author's deliberate use of the term "employés." This seemingly innocuous word choice has sparked a multitude of interpretations, adding depth and complexity to the narrative. In this article, we will embark on an exploration of the significance of "employés" in Bartleby, the Scrivener, and examine how Melville's masterful wording choice contributes to the overall meaning of the story.
The Context of "Employés"
In the first few paragraphs of the short story, Melville introduces the term "employés" to describe the clerks who work in the law office of Turkey, a wealthy and esteemed lawyer. The use of this word is noteworthy, as it sets the tone for the rest of the narrative. Employés, a French term, is often translated to English as "employees" or "clerks." However, Melville's choice of this word is not merely a matter of linguistic preference; it carries connotations that are essential to understanding the story.
The Significance of "Employés"
The use of "employés" in Bartleby, the Scrivener serves several purposes. Firstly, it highlights the alienation of the clerks from their work and their employer. The term "employés" implies a sense of detachment, as if the clerks are mere commodities, employed to perform tasks without any sense of purpose or fulfillment. This is evident in the way the narrator describes the clerks as " mere machines" who are "driven by a sort of mechanical impulse" (Melville 1). The use of "employés" underscores the dehumanizing effects of modern capitalism, where individuals are reduced to mere cogs in a machine.
The Relationship between Employés and the Narrator
The narrator's relationship with the employés is also significant. The narrator, who remains unnamed throughout the story, is a _ detached_ observer, who views the employés as mere objects of study. This detachment is reflected in the narrator's use of the term "employés," which reinforces the idea that the clerks are mere commodities, rather than human beings. The narrator's relationship with the employés is also marked by a sense of superiority, as he sees himself as a master, while the employés are mere servants.
The Symbolism of "Employés"
The term "employés" also carries symbolic significance. In the context of the story, the employés represent the faceless masses, who are reduced to mere numbers in the eyes of the capitalist system. The employés are nameless, faceless, and interchangeable, highlighting the dehumanizing effects of modern capitalism. The use of "employés" serves as a metaphor for the alienation and dehumanization that occurs in the capitalist system.
The Impact of "Employés" on the Narrative
The use of "employés" has a profound impact on the narrative of Bartleby, the Scrivener. It sets the tone for the rest of the story, highlighting the themes of alienation, dehumanization, and the search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless world. The term "employés" also serves as a foil to the character of Bartleby, who is a nonconformist who rejects the dehumanizing effects of modern capitalism. Through the use of "employés," Melville creates a sense of tension between the narrator and the employés, highlighting the conflict between the individual and the capitalist system.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the use of "employés" in Bartleby, the Scrivener is a masterful example of Herman Melville's wording choice. The term "employés" carries connotations of alienation, dehumanization, and the search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless world. Through the use of "employés," Melville creates a sense of tension between the narrator and the employés, highlighting the conflict between the individual and the capitalist system. The significance of "employés" serves as a reminder of the importance of language in shaping our understanding of the world.
References
Melville, H. (1853). Bartleby, the Scrivener: A Story of Wall Street. In The Complete Stories of Herman Melville (pp. 1-24). New York: Library of America.
Further Reading
- Moby Dick by Herman Melville
- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
- The Stranger by Albert Camus
About the Author
Q: What is the significance of the term "employés" in Bartleby, the Scrivener?
A: The term "employés" is significant because it highlights the alienation and dehumanization of the clerks in the story. The use of this word implies a sense of detachment, as if the clerks are mere commodities, employed to perform tasks without any sense of purpose or fulfillment.
Q: How does the narrator's relationship with the employés contribute to the story?
A: The narrator's relationship with the employés is marked by a sense of detachment and superiority. The narrator views the employés as mere objects of study, reinforcing the idea that the clerks are mere commodities, rather than human beings. This relationship serves as a foil to the character of Bartleby, who is a nonconformist who rejects the dehumanizing effects of modern capitalism.
Q: What is the symbolism of "employés" in the context of the story?
A: The term "employés" serves as a metaphor for the faceless masses, who are reduced to mere numbers in the eyes of the capitalist system. The employés are nameless, faceless, and interchangeable, highlighting the dehumanizing effects of modern capitalism.
Q: How does the use of "employés" contribute to the themes of the story?
A: The use of "employés" contributes to the themes of alienation, dehumanization, and the search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless world. The term "employés" serves as a reminder of the importance of language in shaping our understanding of the world.
Q: What is the relationship between the employés and the character of Bartleby?
A: The employés and Bartleby are two sides of the same coin. While the employés represent the faceless masses, Bartleby is a nonconformist who rejects the dehumanizing effects of modern capitalism. Through their interactions, Melville highlights the conflict between the individual and the capitalist system.
Q: How does the use of "employés" relate to the broader themes of modern capitalism?
A: The use of "employés" serves as a critique of modern capitalism, highlighting the dehumanizing effects of the system. The term "employés" implies a sense of detachment and alienation, which is a hallmark of modern capitalist society.
Q: What can readers learn from the use of "employés" in Bartleby, the Scrivener?
A: Readers can learn about the importance of language in shaping our understanding of the world. The use of "employés" serves as a reminder that language has the power to shape our perceptions and understanding of reality.
Q: How does the use of "employés" relate to the author's broader themes and concerns?
A: The use of "employés" is consistent with Melville's broader themes and concerns, which include the search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless world, the dehumanizing effects of modern capitalism, and the importance of individuality and nonconformity.
Q: What is the significance of the term "employés" in the context of American literature?
A: The term "employés" is significant in the context of American literature because it highlights the dehumanizing effects of modern capitalism and the search for meaning in a seemingly meaningless world. The use of "employés" serves as a critique of the capitalist system and a reminder of the importance of individuality and nonconformity.
Q: How does the use of "employés" contribute to the narrative of Bartleby, the Scrivener?
A: The use of "employés" contributes to the narrative of Bartleby, the Scrivener by creating a sense of tension between the narrator and the employés. The term "employés" serves as a foil to the character of Bartleby, highlighting the conflict between the individual and the capitalist system.