The Lawyer right off the bat introduces himself as someone who believes “the
easiest way of life is the best [one]” (pg. 1). From here it can be indicated that the
Lawyer does not look to challenge himself in regards to any aspect of his life, including
his work. Consequently, it makes sense that he hires two scriveners and one assistant
to take care of the trivial matters, and additionally, hires Bartleby. Furthermore, the
Lawyer outright states that he is “unambitious” (pg. 1) but counters that with the fact that
he takes care of “rich men’s bonds and mortgages and title-deeds” (pg. 1). He views
himself as one who does not lose his temper no matter the circumstances, but at the
same time was outraged at the cancellation of his previous office. It is clear from here
that the Lawyer is contradictory in his self-view. Although he is honest about his
laziness corresponding to his work, the Lawyer still seems as someone who knows that
a job must get done, irregardless of emotions.
When discussing his workers, the Lawyer is quite harsh in the way he describes
them. For example, in regards to all the scriveners he has met he calls them, “an
interesting...set of men” (pg. 1). On a more specific note, the Lawyer’s first two
scriveners are Tur...
