How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Paragraph)
Quote #4
As he opened the folding door to retire, Nippers at his desk caught a glimpse of me, and asked whether I would prefer to have a certain paper copied on blue paper or white. He did not in the least roguishly accent the word prefer. It was plain that it involuntarily rolled from his tongue. I thought to myself, surely I must get rid of a demented man, who already has in some degree turned the tongues, if not the heads, of myself and clerks. (68)
Again, we see language as an interesting symptom of whatever mental illness Bartleby is spreading through the office.
Quote #5
"The time has come; you must quit this place; I am sorry for you; here is money; but you must go."
"I would prefer not," he replied, with his back still towards me.
"You must."
He remained silent. (76-77)
Bartleby proves here that sometimes the most effective mode of communication is simply silence.
Quote #6
"I know you," he said, without looking round – "and I want nothing to say to you." (122)
Huh – for the first time, Bartleby's language directly expresses something. He doesn't just say he prefers not to speak to the Narrator, but clearly says that he doesn't want to. This subtle change surely expresses a change in Bartleby himself…