How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Paragraph)
Quote #4
Nothing so aggravates an earnest person as a passive resistance. (35)
Why? Simply put, passive resistance isn't in the rules. We're used to human conduct that is a little more black and white than that, and Bartleby's peaceful protest is infuriatingly difficult to comprehend.
Quote #5
As I afterwards learned, the poor scrivener, when told that he must be conducted to the Tombs, offered not the slightest obstacle, but, in his pale, unmoving way, silently acquiesced. (118)
Interestingly, Bartleby agrees to follow the rules set down by the government, and goes peacefully to jail – why might he suddenly allow this to happen to him?