A Retrospective: Inspirational Pieces from

this SemesterBy Christina Mazza

“Bartleby, the Scrivener: A Story of Wall-Street”

–Herman MelvilleThe famous quote by Bartleby, “I would prefer not to,” has a great impact on the narrator of the story. Although simple and short, this phrase eventually drives Bartleby’s to move his office to get away form Bartleby and his passive-aggressiveness. So, why and how does this simple phrase affect on the narrator, the other employees, and the reader so much?

“Bartleby” continued…

This phrase creates such an impact not only because it is passive aggressive, but also because of the way Bartleby acts. Bartleby is a shy person who is a very hard worker. Because of this, his boss does not understand why he simply says he prefers not to do something. Why not just say, “Sorry, I’m busy,” instead? This bothered Bartleby’s boss to the point that he just allowed him to get his way. Bartleby began to slack with his work and live in the office. His boss felt pity for him and respected him. However, when he realized that he was negatively affecting his job and business, he had to do something. He moved his office and let Bartleby fend for himself. Bartleby was sent to a prison, where he eventually died. When his boss finally found out why Bartleby acted this way, he was truly sorry that he left Bartleby on his own. He had meant no harm, but things did not work out for him in the end.

“Bartleby” continued…

After reading “Bartleby,” I was very awe-struck. The story was so good and memorable. The story would not be as memorable without Bartleby’s infamous phrase, “I would prefer not to.” This phrase not only aggravated Bartleby’s boss, but also the reader. However, after getting more into the story, I was intrigued by him and wanted to learn more. I felt pity for him after finding out he lived in the office, showing he was homeless. “Bartleby” really inspired me to look at people differently and give people second chances.

OnaOna, a modern sculpture by Ursula von Rydingsvard, was placed in Brooklyn at the Barclays Center. This piece of public art was a first for me, being that I rarely public art. Displayed at the Barclays Center, this sculpture is seen by hundreds of people every day. Made of wood and bronze, Ona’s strange shape, texture, and colors appear to be like a natural rock sculpture.

Ona continued…Ona’s beauty truly shows at night because of the bright screens on the Barclays center and the lights on the floor. The light, which seem to represent a galaxy of stars, creates a upward shadows on the sculpture and make it glow. Ona inspired me because it is the first piece of public, modern art that I have seen. Its beauty in the urban city of Brooklyn shows that art should be shared with everyone in order to be appreciated.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” production by Julie

TaymorJulie Taymor’s production of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” was awe-inspiring. It debuted in A Theater for a New Audience in Brooklyn as the theater’s first performance. This was the first performance I saw at a black box theater, and it had made me more interested in going to plays. Her use of modern props and backdrops was also something I have never seen used before for a play that was set in the past.

“A Midsummer Night’s Dream” production continued…

The most memorable parts of the performance were the sheet and Puck. The sheet was used for many different props, such as a cloudy floor, the sky, and even a bed for Titania. Puck was portrayed as a comical and creepy contortionist. Along with these two memorable aspects, Taymor created an entire new world for this production that captured the audience the entire time. I was amazed throughout the entire production, and have been inspired to go to the theater more often.

My Seminar I: Arts in NYC Experience

I really enjoyed the Seminar I class during my first semester in college! Learning more about art in New York City was inspiring. It was an eye-opening experience to see how much art there is in the most urban parts of New York. I have learned how lucky I am to live in a city with so much art and inspiration. Within only an hour, I can visit famous museums and theaters that people travel very far to see. This class taught me that there is so much to learn and discover about art. Whether I’m spending time in a museum or reading a book, I appreciate the art I am surrounded by in New York City.