Bartleby, the Scrivener

Charity is a central theme throughout “Bartleby.” The concept of charity, or acts of charity, is present in the interactions between the lawyer and Turkey and Bartleby. The lawyer treats Turkey, perpetually impoverished and a man “of so small an income” (7), with patience for his eccentricities. The lawyer also offers Bartleby a place to stay in his home and gives him uninterrupted privacy behind his screen along with extra money.

Naturally wanting his employee to look presentable, and aware of the small amount he pays Turkey, the narrator gives Turkey one of his coats. Eventually, however, the narrator comes to believe having a nice thing is bad for Turkey. He compares Turkey to a horse: the coat is bad for Turkey “upon the same principle that too much oats are bad for horses” (17). After this incident, the narrator never gives Turkey anything beyond his pay.

Bartleby is the recipient of most of the narrator’s charity. However, this charity never improves Bartleby’s situation as he declines toward imprisonment and death. Despite the futility of his good works, the narrator congratulates himself on his charity and considers himself significantly more indulgent than most employers.