The first time he says this, despite the opinions of his coworkers, his boss allows him to simply copy and not take part in the checking process. This seems perfectly reasonable to the reader as well (he does an exceptional job copying anyway), so through the beginning of his decline, the reader remains sympathetic, and is hooked for the rest of the story (155-158). As his decline is gradual, the reader generally pities Bartleby, especially when it is discovered that he lives in the office, until he finally stops working altogether (160-161, 164). At this point, there is still pity due to the emotional connection, but there is also growing contempt as Bartleby seemingly becomes a leech to
The first time he says this, despite the opinions of his coworkers, his boss allows him to simply copy and not take part in the checking process. This seems perfectly reasonable to the reader as well (he does an exceptional job copying anyway), so through the beginning of his decline, the reader remains sympathetic, and is hooked for the rest of the story (155-158). As his decline is gradual, the reader generally pities Bartleby, especially when it is discovered that he lives in the office, until he finally stops working altogether (160-161, 164). At this point, there is still pity due to the emotional connection, but there is also growing contempt as Bartleby seemingly becomes a leech to