How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
But upon the whole, as it was drawing towards my dinner-hour, I thought it best to put on my hat and walk home for the day, suffering much from perplexity and distress of mind. (2.84)
But upon the whole, as it was drawing towards my dinner-hour, I thought it best to put on my hat and walk home for the day, suffering much from perplexity and distress of mind. (2.84)
Quote #5
But not without sundry twinges of impotent rebellion against the mild effrontery of this unaccountable scrivener. (2.89)
Again, the lawyer guy, the boss, the head honcho, is "impotent"—he's the one who's controlled by Bartleby, rather than the other way around. It's a bit like a parent catering to a toddler; being the one with the power, in this case, can leave you being controlled. (Melville did have several children, who would have been infants or toddlers around the time he wrote "Bartleby." Make of that what you will.)
Quote #6
"I would prefer not to quit you," he replied, gently emphasizing the not.
"What earthly right have you to stay here? Do you pay any rent? Do you pay my taxes? Or is this property your?" (2.161-162)
The lawyer tries to argue with Bartleby by citing rights—particularly property rights. Bartleby is on the wrong side of capitalism. So you could see that as a political statement, Shmoop supposes.