As postmodern critics have stated, the rise of capitalism entailed negative consequences on the individual being. Society turned into a crisis of self-identification and still many people are dealing with the repercussions. As a result, low self-esteem and loss of identity lead to an increasing number of mental disorders. Critics like Deleuze and Guattari even argued for a link between capitalism and schizophrenia, claiming that “schizophrenia arises from the decoding processes characteristic of capitalism” (Holland 66).
“Bartleby, the Scrivener” by Herman Melville, presents this serious conflict between the individual and society. In the following I will argue that society is in a deranged state. Moreover, society stigmatizes Bartleby as being mentally ill which causes his social limitation and leads in consequence to his act of passive resistance.
Therefore, this paper will deal with two major issues: The conflict between the individual being and the social structure will be illustrated in detail. I will use Marxist terminology to help illustrate the main points of the capitalist exploitation of the individual worker.
Table of Contents
1.Introduction
2. Neo-Marxism
3. The capitalist exploitation of the individual
3.1 Fromm’s concept of the origin of the individual and social neurosis
3.2 Bartleby as a victim of the socially patterned defect
3.3 Bartleby’s act of passive resistance
4. Conclusion
Objectives & Core Themes
This paper examines the conflict between the individual and the social structure in Herman Melville’s "Bartleby, the Scrivener," arguing that Bartleby’s passive resistance is a reaction to a deranged capitalist society rather than a sign of individual mental illness.
- The influence of capitalist materialism on the individual being.
- Application of Neo-Marxist literary theory and psychoanalytical concepts.
- Erich Fromm’s theory of the "socially patterned defect" and "irrational authority."
- Critique of the pathologization of non-conformist behavior.
- The function of passive resistance as a strategic protest.
Excerpt from the Book
3.3 Bartleby’s act of passive resistance
Indeed, the story of “Bartleby, the Scrivener,” can be interpreted as a critique on capitalist materialism and victimization of the individual worker. As Fromm already argued, the socially patterned effect entails severe consequences on the individual being (Fromm, Individual 383). Bartleby’s isolation and limitation portrayed in the story emphasize his tragic and seemingly forlorn situation.
Still, we should pay attention that his act of passive resistance also signifies an active protest against the social system (cf. Talley 88). By the act of passive resistance Bartleby delineates himself from the mass of the people who adapt to the social pattern. From that point Bartleby refuses to work and begins to say “I would prefer not to” (Melville 12) which entails that “he is no longer able to copy either” (Deleuze 70). Moreover, his decision of “not preferring to do” things anymore can also be considered as savvy strategy and part of his act of passive resistance. It is important to stress that the act of passive resistance is not perceived as the only way of dealing with a forlorn situation or an act of helplessness. It can also serve as a conscious act of passive aggression. Therefore, it is important to mention that Bartleby does not
Summary of Chapters
1.Introduction: This chapter establishes the theoretical context of capitalism's negative impact on the individual and introduces the paper's argument regarding Bartleby's passive resistance.
2. Neo-Marxism: This section outlines the Neo-Marxist approach, combining social philosophy with psychoanalytical terms, specifically utilizing the work of Erich Fromm.
3. The capitalist exploitation of the individual: This chapter analyzes how economic structures shape human beings and create imbalanced power dynamics between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat.
3.1 Fromm’s concept of the origin of the individual and social neurosis: This section defines the concepts of rational versus irrational authority and explains the "socially patterned defect" as a result of societal pressure.
3.2 Bartleby as a victim of the socially patterned defect: This chapter argues that Bartleby's behavior should not be classified as a mental disorder, but rather as a reaction to systemic social conditions.
3.3 Bartleby’s act of passive resistance: This section evaluates Bartleby’s "I would prefer not to" as a strategic act of protest against his dehumanizing work environment and the lawyer’s authority.
4. Conclusion: This chapter summarizes the findings, emphasizing the dichotomy of Bartleby's situation as both a victim of social constraints and an active resister of the capitalist hierarchy.
Keywords
Neo-Marxism, Bartleby, Herman Melville, Capitalism, Erich Fromm, Socially patterned defect, Passive resistance, Industrialization, Mental illness, Alienation, Irrational authority, Individualism, Social structure, Dehumanization, Protest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core argument of this research paper?
The paper argues that Bartleby in Melville's story is not mentally ill in the medical sense, but rather a victim of a "socially patterned defect" caused by a rigid and dehumanizing capitalist structure.
Which theoretical frameworks are applied?
The author uses a Neo-Marxist lens, which combines Marxist social criticism regarding capitalist labor exploitation with Freudian and Frommian psychoanalytical terminology.
What is the primary objective of this study?
The objective is to illustrate how social structures influence individual identity and how Bartleby’s refusal to work constitutes a form of political and existential resistance.
Which methodology is employed in the analysis?
The study employs a literary analysis based on secondary sources and social theory to reinterpret Bartleby's actions through the perspectives of Neo-Marxism and critical theory.
What topics are covered in the main body?
The main body covers the rise of capitalism and the industrialization of the worker, the psychological impacts of authority, the definition of mental disorders, and a detailed analysis of Bartleby's passive protest.
Which key terms best describe this work?
Key terms include Neo-Marxism, social neurosis, passive resistance, capitalist exploitation, and alienation.
How does the author define 'irrational authority'?
Following Fromm, the author defines it as authority based on power and the subject's fear, rather than on competence or genuine merit.
Why does the author argue that Bartleby is not schizophrenic?
The author claims there is no objective textual evidence of a biological brain disorder; instead, Bartleby's behavior is a logical, albeit extreme, response to the social environment he inhabits.
What is the significance of the phrase "I would prefer not to"?
It represents the turning point where Bartleby asserts his own will against the demands of the capitalist machine, effectively opting out of the social pattern of the narrator.
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- Natalie Pehl (Autor:in), 2014, Disease and Decease in "Bartleby, the Scrivener". A Story of Wall-Street, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/294511
