Bartleby and Free Will

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Throughout the story Bartleby expresses his free will in many different ways, whether it be choosing to not do any work, choosing to be insolent and not leave the premises of his employer, or choosing to not eat which in turn causes his untimely death. If we examine the progression towards death in Bartleby’s life, we find that they could have easily been avoided if only the choices in Bartleby’s life were left up to a responsible guardian. The fact that no one stepped in to relieve Bartleby of his free will ultimately led to his death. When such important options of whether to obey the law or obey the body are left to an unstable individual the outcomes prove to be erratic at best. However, while it does seem to be the path of least resistance to let a responsible adult make the choices in Bartleby’s life, one must ask “isn’t one’s life made up of the choices he makes and to take away ones choices is to take away a man’s existence”. When Melville presents to us a character as Bartleby, it brings to the forefront of our minds this question of free will. It allows us to reflect on its importance just as we see it shining off the face of Bartleby. Free will is the most important commodity a person has; it is this trait that makes men leaders and commanders of the world. Whether it be choosing to stand up for liberty and pushing crates full of tea into the ocean or choosing not to, this trait defines us. In the conclusion, Free will is an important factor in every person’s life, especially an individual like Bartleby. Without such a trait how could people express themselves? Even though through his choices Bartleby will ultimately succumb to a devious fate, this is the path that he chose for himself. Obviously, there is an extent to which we could express it, For example when it infringes upon the wellbeing of others like we saw in the story. Through Bartleby’s
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