The lawyer initially treats Bartleby as an eccentric employee and tries to reason with him to get him back to work. However, Bartleby's unwavering refusal to perform any tasks puts the lawyer in a difficult position. He is torn between his desire to maintain order and productivity in his office and his growing sympathy and curiosity toward Bartleby.
As the lawyer attempts to find a solution to the situation, he becomes increasingly obsessed with Bartleby and his mysterious character. He starts questioning his own professional ethics and the societal norms that he has always taken for granted. Bartleby's presence disrupts the lawyer's comfortable existence and forces him to confront his own values and beliefs.
Furthermore, the lawyer faces an internal conflict as he tries to balance his professional obligations with his growing compassion for Bartleby. He struggles to understand Bartleby's motivations and the deeper meaning behind his behavior. The lawyer's efforts to help Bartleby lead him on a journey of self-discovery and moral exploration.
The central conflict in "Bartleby the Scrivener" is not only about the protagonist's interactions with Bartleby but also about the protagonist's internal struggle to reconcile his professional responsibilities with his evolving sense of empathy and humanity. The story delves into the complexities of human nature and raises profound questions about the nature of work, conformity, and individual freedom.