QUESTIONS FOR CLASS DISCUSSIONS

Plot
Exposition:-what background information does the narrator relate that gives us a greater understanding of the events unfolding?
Why does the information about Bartleby's previous employment come at the end of the story rather than at the beginning?
Complication-
how does the Boss react when Bartleby repeatedly refuses to perform his duties? How does his reaction intensify? What is the Boss's
dilemma?
Climax-Where do you feel the events reach their pinnacle? Where is the conflict most intense, the clash most "explosive"?

Resolution-What's the outcome of the explosion? 
Epiphany-who has gained insight in this story, Bartleby or the Boss, or anybody?

The narrator gives us background information on his office. He describes his office, saying that he works on Wall Street. He describes his employees and gives reasons for their names as well as telling us how Bartleby came to working with him. With this information, we can then see what the story would be about. He also says that one of his most oddest Scriveners was Bartleby, so that puts a little bit of suspense into the short story. I think the information comes at the end of the story rather than the beginning because if it did come in the beginning, the readers would know why he says that he would prefer not to and why he acts the way he does. Readers, in my opinion, would not get the same reaction that they do, had the piece of information about him been given in the beginning. Also by putting it at the end, it doesn't leave us wondering why Bartleby acted the way he did. Instead of just letting our minds wander on the subject, it gives us sort of a direction to follow. I think that because Bartleby says that he prefers not to in such a calm, almost comforting manner, it makes the boss feel pity for him, rather then wanting to reprimand him. Throughout the whole story, Bartleby constantly refuses to do any type of work other than copying. And each time Bartleby refuses, it shocks the boss because never has anyone told him no, or rather they would prefer not to. At one point, the boss wonders if he is in the wrong for asking him to do work. But after talking to the other Scriveners, they assure him that he is not. After the first few times of Bartleby refusing, the boss finally asks why he does not prefer to do any work and if he has the right to say no. When Bartleby responds with no answer, he just accepts it. I think the boss's dilemma is that he wants to get rid of Bartleby because essentially, he is a liability, but at the same time, the boss admires him and pity's him so much that he just can be cruel or mean and fire him. I think the climax is when the boss asks Bartleby to pack his belongings and leave and Bartleby refuses. Therefore making the boss pack up and move his office, on account of Bartleby. This is when the boss finally loses his temper and doesn't have much sympathy for Bartleby. The outcome of this explosion is that the boss leaves Bartleby in his office and moves his business elsewhere. I do not think that anyone gained insight really. I just think that the boss gave up on Bartleby once it started affecting his business and realized that he isn't worth his time.