Individuality

When I first began reading "Bartleby the Scrivner," I honestly didn't really understand the direction Melville was going with the story.  At first, I thought that Bartleby was just stubborn and perhaps mentally unstable since all he seems to say is, " I would prefer not to" (paragraph 23).  His preference to not perform the tasks assigned of him becomes an everyday occurrence and bewilders the narrator.  I even began to wonder why Bartleby refused to perform the work asked of him.  It was not until the end of the story that I realized why Bartleby refused to complete his work.  Bartleby is obviously an individual in his society.  He declines every task expected of his except for scribing, because he has no interest to do anything else.  He would "prefer not to" do extra tasks asked of him, therefore; he stands out in his workplace through his disobedient nature.  The other workers, Turkey, Nipper, and Ginger Nut, are very obedient and always perform the work expected of them. When the narrator asks Nipper what should be done about Bartleby's disobedience he replies: "Excuse me, that is for you to decide, sir.  I think his conduct quite unusual, and indeed unjust, as regards Turkey and myself.  But it may only be a passing whim"( Melville 125 ).  On the contrary, Bartleby's refusing nature was not a "passing whim."  Bartleby's laid back, quiet, and stubborn attitude was just his true personality, and he was not about to change it for anyone, especially after his previous, depressing job of reading Dead Letters.  Bartleby's refusal to work, and his refusal to leave the office, despite how many people threaten him, makes him the non-conformist that he is. 

Ginsberg displays non-conformity in his poem "Sunflower Sutra" through the existence of a lonely sunflower among a rapidly changing society.  The time period of the poem suggests that America is experiencing a great deal of technological growth, which impacts the natural beauty of the land.  The sunflower standing all alone is a representation of hope for America and one of individuality.  Despite the many changes occurring throughout America, such as the modernization of technology, America can still hold onto its morals and beliefs.  Just as America withstands its many changes, the sunflower withstands the pollution of the locomotive: ...- and you there/ standing before me in the sunset, all your glory/ in your form!" (58-60). 

I don't think the authors of these two works are celebrating individuality, rather they are subtly hinting at the thought of being an individual in a society full of conformists.  Being an individual in society is not easy.  Bartleby was taken to jail for his individualistic personality, and the poor sunflower was nearly killed in its natural habitat, which was being destroyed by modernization. Being an individual in these works means that you have survived criticism and destruction.  Before Bartleby was sent to jail, he endured the critical remarks of his coworkers.  Furthermore, the sunflower had to endure pollution and smog in order to survive naturally.  The benefit of remaining an individual in these stories means that the character, or object, has stood up to face something more powerful that himself or itself, creating strength within their natures. 

This theme of individuality reminds me of the movie Edward Scissorhands.  Even though Edward was a very sweet man, he was tormented for his individualistic appearance.  Question: At the end of "Bartleby the Scrivener" when he passes, I wonder if he passed due to sadness because no one would accept him, starvation, or loneliness.