Blog 1: Bartleby

One of the most prominent literary techniques implored by Herman Melville in Bartleby the Scrivener, is foreshadowing. Early on in the short story, Melville claims that he didn't know much of Bartleby, though the aspects he does, he finds to be astonishing. He mentions knowing "..one vague report which will appear in the sequel," (Melville,642). Melville is hinting that he will reveal some kind of document that is fitting to the story later on. Turns out, nearing the end of the book, readers find Bartleby to have been "...a subordinate cleerk in the Dead Letter Office at Washington,"(Melville,675). Alas! Some of Bartleby's life and past have been uncovered. Aside from this, earlier in the short story, Melville uses characterization to describe Bartleby as being, "..pallidly neat.."(Melville 648). Now, upon finding out Bartleby was associated with dead letters, he uses "..pallid hoplessness.." to describe Bartleby yet again. Melville's use of charcterization not only for Bartlby, but other characters like Ginger Nut, Turkey, and Nippers, helps to convey their personality which is revealed in their treatment towards their job as a copyist, treatment to the lawyer, and Bartleby's strange persona. Overall, Melville noticeably touches on characterization and foreshadowing which tie into how the story unfolds, and the development of the characters.