Critically analyze the similarities and difference between the Bartleby, scrivener and An island
"Bartleby, the Scrivener" by Herman Melville and "An Island" by short story writer Karen Jennings are both stories that explore themes of isolation, existentialism, and the nature of human connection. However, the two stories approach these themes in different ways and have distinct narrative styles.
One similarity between the two stories is the portrayal of characters who struggle with fitting in and finding their place in society. In "Bartleby, the Scrivener," the protagonist Bartleby is a passive character who refuses to conform to the demands of his job as a scrivener, leading to his isolation and eventual decline. Similarly, the main character in "An Island" is also isolated, living alone on an island and struggling with the loneliness and limited social interactions.
Both stories also touch upon the concept of alienation and disconnection from others. Bartleby's refusal to engage with his coworkers and society at large highlights his feelings of detachment and isolation. In "An Island," the protagonist's isolation is physical, as she lives in solitude on an island, but also emotional as she struggles to connect with the memories of her deceased husband.
However, a key difference between the two stories is the narrative perspective and tone. "Bartleby, the Scrivener" is narrated from the point of view of a lawyer who employs Bartleby, providing a detached and observational tone. In contrast, "An Island" is narrated in the first person, allowing for a more intimate and introspective exploration of the protagonist's emotions and experiences.
Overall, while both "Bartleby, the Scrivener" and "An Island" share similarities in their themes of isolation and alienation, they differ in their narrative styles and approaches to exploring these themes. Melville's story takes a more detached and observational approach, while Jennings' story is more introspective and emotionally focused.