Get Melvilles Final Stage Irony Form

The irony in 'Bartleby, the Scrivener' is profound; Bartleby's defining phrase, 'I would prefer not to', transforms simple requests into a profound critique of societal norms. His passive refusal serves as an unexpected challenge to the relentless drive of capitalism. This exemplifies Melville’s Final Stage Irony Form, demonstrating how true individuality can disrupt conventional expectations and expose the hollowness of modern life.

Melville masterfully weaves irony throughout 'Bartleby, the Scrivener'. The primary irony emerges from Bartleby's refusal to engage in the very world that sustains him, throwing into stark relief the emptiness of that existence. This illustrates Melville’s Final Stage Irony Form, where the juxtaposition of Bartleby’s withdrawn nature against the bustling backdrop of Wall Street emphasizes the depths of isolation and human disconnection.

In 'Bartleby, the Scrivener', Herman Melville employs several literary devices, including symbolism, metaphor, and irony. The office setting serves as a symbol of modern alienation, while Bartleby himself embodies the struggle against conformity. Central to this exploration is Melville’s Final Stage Irony Form, as Bartleby’s passive resistance ultimately highlights the absurdity and contradictions of societal expectations.

The curtain signals the ending, but it also signals the fact: This is a play. It may be a re-creation of real events, but it isn't real. The take-away point: the ending (like all good endings) sends you back to the beginning, and forces you to question what you thought you already knew.

Although much younger than most of the Bellipotent 's crewmen, the cheerful, innocent young man quickly gains back the popularity he had previously enjoyed, earning the nickname “Baby Budd” in the process.

Billy is quickly called “Baby Budd” because of his apparent youthfulness (230). Claggart and the Dansker, too, call him “Baby” (251). And he's described as “welkin-eyed,” implying that his gaze and eyes are practically heavenly in their blue tone (230).

This passion for Billy “[assumed] various secret forms within [Claggart],” implying that Claggart's true feelings for Billy, which range from sexual desire to deep love, are a “secret” that Claggart feels he must keep from society at large (Melville 328).

William "Billy" Budd Of obscure origin and limited education, Billy is a good-hearted and simple peacemaker who is nicknamed "Baby," as well as "the Handsome Sailor." He serves dutifully as foretopman on the Bellipotent and rejects an offer to join a mutiny.

The spar from which he was hanged is followed from port to port and venerated by many in the manner of the Christian cross.