Satire of the Business World:
* Bureaucracy and Impersonality: The story critiques the dehumanizing nature of the workplace, where individuals are treated as cogs in a machine rather than human beings. The narrator's obsession with efficiency and his inability to understand Bartleby's passive resistance highlights this theme.
* The "Dead Letter" Office: The setting itself symbolizes the lifelessness and stagnation of the legal profession, representing a system that is both crucial and ultimately pointless. The "dead letters" represent the vast amount of work that gets buried and forgotten, reflecting the futility of many aspects of business.
* Capitalism and Profit: The story hints at the social inequalities that exist in a capitalist system. While the narrator thrives, Bartleby is relegated to a marginalized position, representing the plight of those exploited for profit.
Satire of the Human Condition:
* Alienation and Isolation: Bartleby's passive resistance and refusal to participate in the world around him are symbolic of the existential isolation and meaninglessness that many individuals experience. His statement "I would prefer not to" encapsulates this sense of alienation and withdrawal.
* The Nature of Identity and Purpose: Bartleby's mysterious past and lack of clear motivation question the nature of identity and purpose. He represents the human struggle to find meaning in a chaotic and indifferent universe.
* Compassion and Empathy: The narrator's struggle to understand Bartleby and his eventual failure to connect with him reveals the limitations of human compassion and empathy. The story prompts readers to consider their own responses to the suffering of others.
Overall, "Bartleby the Scrivener" is a profound exploration of both the business world and the human condition. It critiques the dehumanizing aspects of modern life while simultaneously acknowledging the inherent difficulties of understanding and connecting with others. Melville's satire is subtle and layered, inviting readers to engage with the complexities of human existence and the challenges of navigating a world that often feels both oppressive and indifferent.