In this story from Herman Melville, the major theme (finding the right balance between ambition, fame and happiness in life) is introduced indirectly through a chance meeting. Helmstone, a struggling writer, is in a “desperate mood” after negative reviews of his latest work. His life changes when he is introduced to Hautboy, a sincere, content, good-humored man who goes house to house teaching the fiddle. Helmstone admires the way “commonplace” Hautboy, who appears to have no special talents, is able to live life to the fullest. Enlightenment comes when he learns Hautboy’s secret. Other themes: accepting criticism, judging by appearances. More…
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Bartleby the Scrivener: A Tale of Wall Street
Herman Melville’s Bartleby the Scrivener is regarded as a classic of Modern Literature. A major theme is the depression that comes with being alone in the world and lacking a purpose in life. Other themes include exploitation, insensitivity and guilt (the Lawyer), conformity and coping with boring, repetitive work (Turkey and Nipper), alienation, apathy and passive resistance to one’s responsibilities (Bartleby), and loss of hope and the inevitability of death (symbolized by the Dead Letter Office). The Lawyer’s final words, Ah, Bartleby! Ah, humanity!, reflect the irony of Bartleby finding himself in the two worst possible jobs for his disposition. More…