In Kafka’s The Metamorphosis and Melville’s Bartleby the Scrivener, the theme of degradation of humanism via capitalism and alienation is addressed and explored primarily through the use of characterization, narration and various literary devices.
Bartleby the Scrivener is written in first person. It contributes to the characterization of Bartleby, providing us with an insight into what a person who interacts with Bartleby might feel. Being part of the lawyer’s thoughts helps the reader form an opinion on Bartleby. On the other hand, The Metamorphosis is written in both third person and a limited omniscient point of view, with the story told through Gregor’s perspective. It helps the audience internalize what Gregor feels as well as contributes …show more content…
It is set into three parts, each part demonstrating what could be seen as different stages of the transformation. The first stage is instantly made known to the reader with the first sentence, essentially a climax “When Gregor Samsa awoke one morning from troubled dreams, he found himself changed into a monstrous cockroach in his bed.” (505) Although in a physical sense, Gregor has already reached the final stage of his transformation, it is the transformation of his mental state which is of greater importance. Right after changing into a cockroach, Gregor is still Gregor, evident by his eagerness to not miss work, emphasized by repetition of “Seven o’clock” (508). Gregor’s initial preoccupation is not about becoming a cockroach, but instead, about being late for work. His mental state of mind remains intact. Gregor’s work ethic is further emphasized when his mum explains to the chief clerk “You know that boy has nothing but work in his head” (509). Even after the chief clerk is visibly horrified by his new form, Gregor insists upon going to work “I’m just going to get dressed…I’ll set off” (509). Seriation emphasizes Gregor’s determination as he lists off things he has to …show more content…
At first, Bartleby is seen to work diligently without failure “Bartleby did an extraordinary quantity of writing”. (484) He is described to work “silently, palely, mechanically.” (484) The range doublets used here provide the reader with an image of a machine, rather than a human. His machine-like behaviour is further emphasized “Not a wrinkle of agitation rippled him…anything ordinarily human about him”. This sentence is explicit in its distinguishment of Bartleby from a human. This is right after he refuses to do what his boss asks. His decisiveness is so steadfast; he is completely unperturbed, thus being very inhuman. Other employees would likely fear to do the same to their
Bartleby the Scrivener is written in first person. It contributes to the characterization of Bartleby, providing us with an insight into what a person who interacts with Bartleby might feel. Being part of the lawyer’s thoughts helps the reader form an opinion on Bartleby. On the other hand, The Metamorphosis is written in both third person and a limited omniscient point of view, with the story told through Gregor’s perspective. It helps the audience internalize what Gregor feels as well as contributes …show more content…
It is set into three parts, each part demonstrating what could be seen as different stages of the transformation. The first stage is instantly made known to the reader with the first sentence, essentially a climax “When Gregor Samsa awoke one morning from troubled dreams, he found himself changed into a monstrous cockroach in his bed.” (505) Although in a physical sense, Gregor has already reached the final stage of his transformation, it is the transformation of his mental state which is of greater importance. Right after changing into a cockroach, Gregor is still Gregor, evident by his eagerness to not miss work, emphasized by repetition of “Seven o’clock” (508). Gregor’s initial preoccupation is not about becoming a cockroach, but instead, about being late for work. His mental state of mind remains intact. Gregor’s work ethic is further emphasized when his mum explains to the chief clerk “You know that boy has nothing but work in his head” (509). Even after the chief clerk is visibly horrified by his new form, Gregor insists upon going to work “I’m just going to get dressed…I’ll set off” (509). Seriation emphasizes Gregor’s determination as he lists off things he has to …show more content…
At first, Bartleby is seen to work diligently without failure “Bartleby did an extraordinary quantity of writing”. (484) He is described to work “silently, palely, mechanically.” (484) The range doublets used here provide the reader with an image of a machine, rather than a human. His machine-like behaviour is further emphasized “Not a wrinkle of agitation rippled him…anything ordinarily human about him”. This sentence is explicit in its distinguishment of Bartleby from a human. This is right after he refuses to do what his boss asks. His decisiveness is so steadfast; he is completely unperturbed, thus being very inhuman. Other employees would likely fear to do the same to their