Pronunciation: [bˈɑːtə͡lbi] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "Bartleby" can be a bit confusing due to its uncommon combination of letters. Using IPA phonetic transcription, we can break it down and better understand its pronunciation. The first sound is /b/, followed by the vowel sound /ɑː/, then the consonant sound /t/, the vowel sound /ə/, and finally the consonant sounds /l/ and /b/. So, the correct spelling of this word is "Bartleby," pronounced as "BAHRT-luh-bee."
Bartleby is a term that originates from literature, specifically from the influential American writer Herman Melville's novella, "Bartleby, the Scrivener: A Story of Wall-Street," published in 1853. The term is primarily used as a proper noun to refer to the protagonist of the novella, Bartleby.
In the story, Bartleby is a rather mysterious character characterized by extreme passivity and an enigmatic refusal to perform tasks assigned to him. The character becomes iconic for his famous phrase, "I would prefer not to," which becomes a recurrent response when asked to do something.
The term "Bartleby" has since transcended its literary origins to become a proverbial expression used to describe someone who is stubbornly resistant to authority or any kind of demands. It refers to an individual who exhibits an unusual reluctance to perform tasks or comply with requests, often driven by an inexplicable lack of interest or motivation.
The long-lasting influence of the novella ensures that the term "Bartleby" remains recognizable, even beyond the context of literature. Thus, it has become synonymous with rebellion, apathy, or even refusal to conform. It signifies a person who acts against societal expectations, displaying passive resistance or unconventional behavior in various realms, from work to personal relationships.
In summary, "Bartleby" can be defined as a literary character who represents a symbol of resistance and noncompliance, often used to describe individuals who exhibit similar traits of stubborn passivity and reluctance to conform to rules or expectations.
The word "Bartleby" is not derived from old English or any other known language. It is actually a fictional name created by American author Herman Melville for his famous short story "Bartleby, the Scrivener: A Story of Wall Street", published in 1853. The origin of the name Bartleby is unknown, as Melville invented it for the character. In the story, Bartleby is a strange, enigmatic scrivener (a legal copyist) who responds to requests with the phrase "I would prefer not to". The name Bartleby has since become synonymous with someone who demonstrates passive resistance or a refusal to engage in certain tasks or activities.
