Imperefct Charity in Bartleby, the Scrivener Essay

One typically displays acts of charity for the love of mankind or benefit of society. However, differentiating whether a generous deed reflects altruistic behavior or selfishness can be difficult. In Herman Melvilles Bartleby, the Scrivener, the lawyer performs charitable conduct toward Bartleby to acquire self-approval and an honorable conscience. The lawyer employs Bartleby, a lifeless man, as a copyist for his law firm. In the beginning of his employment, Bartleby works efficiently. However, Bartleby soon begins to deny the tasks assigned to him with the statement, I would prefer not to (1184). While irritated at Bartlebys response, the lawyer disregards his behavior. Typically, this type of behavior would result in†¦show more content†¦This demonstrates that the lawyer provides charity exclusively for self-gratifying motives and without concern for the wellbeing of Bartleby. As the lawyer continues to generously employ Bartleby for his own personal fulfillment, he eventually becomes annoyed with Bartlebys repetitive rejections of his assigned tasks. The lawyers anger escalates to a point where he physically attacks Bartleby, and for a split second, contemplates murdering him. Yet, the lawyers thoughts of murder cease when he recalls the divine rule, to love one another. Nevertheless, the lawyer goes on to explain that the main principle which drives charity is a great safeguard to its possessor (1197). The lawyer indicates a sensibility to loving Bartleby because of the direct benefit to himself. The lawyers love for Bartleby does not derive itself from generosity, but the mere self-interest [that] prompt all beings to charity and philanthropy (1197). In this particular case, the lawyer selfishly performs charity for fear that he might be imprudent enough to murder Bartleby. The lawyer portrays his self-interest when he moves his office and abandons Bartleby, due to his negative affect on the business. Because Bartleby continues to annoyingly dawdle around the old office, the lawyer attempts to rid the building of Bartleby, for the lawyer is fearful of being exposed (1201) and criticized by the public. Clearly, the lawyer speaks to Bartleby in hopes of relieving himself from any