Bartleby

Nicknames are used throughout the course of the story "Bartleby, the Scrivener" by Herman Melville. The reader learns throughout the course of the story that the narrator gives nicknames to all of his employees. Three of the characters mentioned in the novel are only mentioned by their nicknames. Turkey, Nippers, and Ginger Nut are all only referred by their nicknames based their personalities and jobs at the office. For example, Ginger Nut received his name from one of his main duties, which was to fetch Turkey and Nippers cake. "Not the least among  the employments of Ginger Nut... was his duty as cake and apple purveyor for Turkey and Nippers" (Melville, 647). The fact that all of the lawyers previous copyist have had nickname poses a question. Is Bartleby his real name or a nickname? As the reader ponders on this question, they must look at the background of Bartleby for the answer. Little is to be known about Bartleby's life outside the office. The reader will never know due to the lack of information. What do you think?