" In this very attitude did I sit when I called to him, rapidly stating what it was I wanted him to do-- namely, to examine a samll paper with me. Imagine my suprise, nay,my consternation, when without moving form his privacy, Bartleby in a singularly mild, firm voice,r replied, 'I would prefer not to.'" (pg. 5 paragraph 6)
I was amazed at how ambiguous Bartleby came across in the story. Exactly why does he always "prefer not to"? If it is because hhe simply does not like the job that he is doing why doesn't he quit and get a different job?