“Bartleby the Scrivener” by Herman Melville - A Degree of Autism

In the story, “Bartleby the Scrivener,” by Herman Melville, the idea that Bartleby might have some degree of autism is recognized. His personality and many of his actions imply this conclusion, in particular his struggle with social situations. As Bartleby is living in the lawyers office, he one day opens the door undressed and asks the lawyer to come back later. This is a strange way to act, as the office does in fact belong to the lawyer and Bartleby is simply being allowed to live there. Furthermore, Bartleby avoids responses to emotional stimuli. When the other office workers verbally attack him, Bartleby simply does not respond at all. This avoid of confrontation also leads to the conclusion that Bartleby might have autism. Another factor in this determination is Bartleby’s repetition of the phrase, “I would prefer not to,” (Melville, 649). Repetition of phrases and facts can often be linked to autism, further promoting this idea. Because he might not know how else to respond, Bartleby takes the easy way out by repeating a phrase he knows well and that prevents him from having to respond. Because of these reasons, there is a chance that Bartleby the scrivener has some degree of autism which could have lead to his peculiar character.