16 Matching Annotations
  1. Feb 2018
    1. I would prefer to be left alone here,” said Bartleby, as if offended at being mobbed in his privacy. “That’s the word, Turkey,” said I—”that’s it.” “Oh, prefer? oh yes—queer word. I never use it myself. But, sir, as I was saying, if he would but prefer—” “Turkey,” interrupted I, “you will please withdraw.” “Oh certainly, sir, if you prefer that I should.”

      what were been affected are not just their language, but also their thoughts. They started to be changed without even notice. The author throws a slide of hope, plants a thought of the "evil" will eventually turns into "good". but instead, they kick "Bartleby" out off the game, because what right makes them feel uncomfortable. Another human nature.

    2. I know where I am

      I've seen some analysis about Bartleby is perhaps a schizophrenosis, but there are several evidences in the fiction that the author tried to indicate he is more sober and wise than anyone. Those who are awake are most miserable. "I know where I am" shows his his spiritual world was not abnormal, but inactive.

    3. Bartleby in a singularly mild, firm voice, replied, “I would prefer not to.

      It could be considered as a passive silent resistance, but also a reaction of finally giving up after countless but resultless fighting.

    4. My chambers were up stairs at No.—Wall-street. At one end they looked upon the white wall of the interior of a spacious sky-light shaft

      "Wall street", "walls" created depressive environment, represented the physical and spiritual status.

    5. t is fit I make some mention of myself, my employees, my business, my chambers, and general surroundings; because some such description is indispensable to an adequate understanding of the chief character about to be presented

      Emphasise those above are necessary, indicates the set of character's identities, the employee's personalities and the location where things happened had been choosing on purpose.

  2. Jan 2018
    1. of the most prolix among the tales that make up my volume

      First evidence indicates the author was trying to combine several other short articles and publish them together with The Scarlet Letter

    2. article entitled “MAIN STREET,” included in the present volume.

      Another evidence that he was planning to combine several other short articles and publish them together with The Scarlet Letter.

    3. “P. P., Clerk of this Parish,”

      It was a fake autobiography written by an eighteenth-century author to taunt another writer's book who write with a selfcentered view and ballyhooed ego.