Bartleby, the Scrivener," written in the Romantic era by a writer often associated with Romanticism, may not seem like it has some of the more distinct traits of that movement. It does, however, seem to say something about the individual versus society, and/or about reason and rationality versus instinct and desire. What do you think this story is saying about one or both of those themes?

Your essay should respond directly and intelligently to the prompt, refer specifically and accurately to the text, be at least 400 words, and use MLA format.