The lawyer (who also serves as narrator) experiences many conflicting emotions towards Bartleby throughout the text. Initially, the lawyer views Bartleby as an efficient copier who happens to be a bit eccentric. As the plot moves forward, the lawyer grows increasingly frustrated with Bartleby's refusal to complete certain tasks, though he does not fire him. In fact, Bartleby's odd behavior and refusal to do required tasks bothers the lawyer, but these actions actually compel the lawyer's sympathies. When the lawyer discovers that Bartleby has actually taken up residence in the office, he feels pity for Bartleby rather than disgust. Even though the lawyer experiences instances of annoyance, as the story progresses, his sympathy, pity, and fear for Bartleby's well-being drive his decisions. For the reader, we might question why the lawyer allows his own sense of pity to trump conventional professional conduct. In spite of Bartleby's odd behavior and complacency, the lawyer still indulges Bartleby because he feels a misplaced sense of duty. While the lawyer's sympathy and pity help Bartleby, these emotions do little to profit the lawyer in a professional context.
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