Bartleby The Scrivener, by Herman Melville, Book Discussion via ZOOM

We use the Great Books Shared Inquiry Method to discuss interesting pieces of literature, such as this classic short story taking place on Wall Street in the 1800s as a young clerk decides, "I prefer not to." Whether you’re a first time book club attendee or a frequent participant, I hope you enjoy the thoughtful, illuminating, and entertaining conversations we'll create.

There are four guidelines for participating in a Great Books Discussion:

1. Read the work.
2. Use the text to support your ideas (not outside sources).
3. The leader is not an authority on the discussion. There are no right/wrong responses. Bring your questions or thoughts.
4. Further the discussion by listening to what others say and follow-up on the train of thought.

FUTURE READINGS FOR 2025:
Aug 26: Bartleby the Scrivener, by Herman Melville, 64 pgs (1853). Set in mid-1800s on NYC's Wall Street: what if a young man caught in the rat race of commerce finally just said, "I would prefer not to?”
Sept 23: The Tempest, by Wm Shakespeare, ≈218 pgs (1611). Prospero uses illusion and manipulation to restore his daughter to her rightful place, honoring the glories of reconciliation and forgiveness. I use the No Fear Shakespeare version of the play.
Oct 28: We Have Always Lived in the Castle, by Shirley Jackson. 146 pgs (1962). Gothic tale of a peculiar girl named Merricat and her family’s dark secret. A mystery just in time for Halloween!
Nov 25: The Ones Who Walk Away From Omelas, short story by Ursula K Le Guin, 32 pgs (1973). Some inhabitants of a peaceful kingdom cannot tolerate the act of cruelty that underlies the kingdom’s happiness.

NO discussion in December.

Cindy B.
206-501-6621
bouldin@aol.com