Herman Melville explores the dehumanizing effects that industrial society can have on an individual in Bartleby the Scrivener. Throughout the passage, the unnamed Boss is intrigued with his new scrivener, Bartleby. Initially, Bartleby diligently goes about his work, rarely, if ever, taking a break, but refuses to review his work. This preference echoes into a refusal to copy altogether and even to vacate the office when asked, forcing the Boss to relocate his business, and finally ends in Bartleby's death. Bartleby's actions have such a profound affect upon the Boss because, in essence, he and Bartleby are one in the same, two individuals starved of humanity due to the rushed and mechanical nature of Wall Street. The Boss's passion for Bartleby stems from this notion; however, the Boss fears Bartleby's attempted rebellion against it because the Boss's work and safe routine are his only life.

The Boss characterizes...