Yes, ‘Bartleby, the Scrivener’ employs irony throughout the narrative. The most prominent use of irony is found in Bartleby’s famous phrase, ‘I would prefer not to.’ This simple statement, while seemingly polite, becomes a powerful form of resistance against societal expectations and the demands of work.
At first, Bartleby’s refusal to comply with his employer’s requests appears straightforward, yet as the story unfolds, it takes on a deeper significance. The irony lies in how his passive resistance highlights the absurdities of the modern work environment and the loss of individual agency. Instead of explicitly rejecting work, Bartleby softly withdraws, creating a paradox where his nonconformity emphasizes the mechanization and detachment of the office culture.
Furthermore, the narrator’s attempts to understand and help Bartleby only lead to frustration, adding another layer of irony. The lawyer’s inability to grasp Bartleby’s existential plight mirrors the broader societal failure to support those who challenge the status quo or who are unable to fit into conventional roles. Through this interplay of actions and reactions, Melville crafts a narrative rich in irony that invites readers to reflect on issues of free will, isolation, and the dehumanizing nature of work.