Research Paper on:
5 Novels and Questions Answered

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them (Decker, 2002). Bartleby is a poor scrivener (clerk) for a Wall Street lawyer. In this novel, Melville employs many different methods and devices to demonstrate the process that has  robbed Bartleby of his humanity, but, principally (as indicated in the quotation provided by the student researching this topic), he does so through description of Bartlebys demeanor. While all the  scriveners within these law offices demonstrate the zombie-like behavior that such a tedious profession conveys to its practitioners, it is Bartlebys "continuously monotonous and non-committal response, which Bartleby gives  to all requests ("I would prefer not to"), that fully conveys the detrimental effects of his profession, as it suggests that, deep down, there is a feeling human being trapped  within a life of tedium, and he would "prefer not" to be in this situation (Decker, 2002). Therefore, it can be seen that Bartlebys standard reply constitutes an implied threat  to the commercial system of New York City at that time, because without scriveners, such as Bartleby, the system could not function. Edith Wharton/The Age of Innocence McWilliams (1990)  asserts that the primary theme of Edith Whartons The Age of Innocence is that of "freedom stifled by rigid social convention" and that this theme operates on "many levels  through different characters" (p. 268). While this theme is worked out principally through Newland Archers yearning for the "free" Ellen Olenska, it can also be seen in the manner in  which Archer regards his fianc?, prior to meeting Olenska. Archers attitude towards his fianc? is not only patriarchal but paternalistic. He sees her as unworldly, someone whom he will  instruct and mold into a suitable mate for himself. Archer does not see his fianc? as a person, but rather as attractive "clay" that he can shape to his own