Why Is Bartleby Wrong

When Bartleby died, our whole town was not surprised. It is not that anyone wanted him to die, it just was not a shock because of the situation. He died in our local prison, though, he was not a murderer or rapist or anything like that. His single mother died when he was 18 years old, and left him the house and money. He was very close to his mother and everyone could see how he instantly turned into a different, unhappy, person when this tragedy stuck. Before his mother died Bartleby was a very shy, quiet, well mannered boy. He was a bit strange, but that is most likely because his mother was lonely and wanted Bartleby all to herself and spent all of her time, and his, with Bartleby. When neighbors came to give their condolences Bartleby said his mother was not dead. When the authorities came for the body, Bartleby put up a fight and would not let them take the body for over two hours. Eventually Bartleby broke down and circled up into a little ball and cried for hours, some even say days.

Bartleby did not respond to it, so after a few months time the mayor sent officials to collect taxes from Bartleby. When they arrived and knocked on his door asking for the taxes he had the simple response of “I’d prefer not to” and shut the door. Knowing everything Bartleby has been through the mayor, a warm hearted gentlemen, just let it go. Three years later the mayors term was up, and a new mayor came into office. The new mayor did not know anything about Bartleby, and did not care to know. He was a young man who was focused on the town's best interest, and nothing more. So when Bartleby preferred not to pay his taxes once again, the new mayor did not have any sympathy. After one month of not paying, 21 year old Bartleby was thrown in