Ethics And Values In Bartleby, The Scrivener

How has success been defined? How do ethics and values relate to success? Two well-known American’s each published a short story containing elements reflecting ideas of success and values in America; each about 100 years apart. The first story authored by, Benjamin Franklin, a well known founding father of our country, an author, and inventor wrote the story titled “The Way to Wealth”; the other story, authored by successful author Herman Melville titled “Bartleby, the Scrivener.” While these two stories have a few similarities, their perspectives and messages are very different concerning success and values. One similarity, first person point of view provides the telling of these tales from a single person perspective while providing insight into the narrators intimate thoughts and opinions, it only provides speculation from the perspective of others. Also, both stories share the narrator’s perspective based on his own observations of human nature, with each narrator considering themselves an exemplary benefactor of ethics and values, to the point they feel qualified to offer advice and wisdom to those

He utilizes quotes from “Poor Richard” referencing him as an authority to make his point. He does not sympathize with his audience, and lacks empathy toward their cause. While the audience agrees in theory with the sermon, their immediate actions directly contradict the advice provided. In Contrast, Melville’s narrator is sympathetic and compassionate towards what he views as the flawed characteristics preventing his employee’s from becoming successful in life. While the Franklin narrator conveys the message people will be happier and successful if they adjust their priorities, and invest their time and energy in working hard to obtain the necessities of