The Lost Stradivarius · Chapter
The Lost Stradivarius explained
John Maltravers, a young man of good family and moderate fortune, matriculates at Magdalen Hall, Oxford, where he forms a close friendship with William Gaskell.
What happens
John Maltravers, a young man of good family and moderate fortune, matriculates at Magdalen Hall, Oxford, where he forms a close friendship with William Gaskell. After purchasing an old wicker chair, John begins to hear strange noises emanating from it, which are triggered by playing a particular piece of music, the Gagliarda. He soon sees the apparition of a man in the chair, a vision that Gaskell confirms is a supernatural presence. During a summer vacation at Worth, John discovers a hidden Stradivarius violin, which he sends to London for appraisal. The discovery is followed by a series of events, including a Christmas at Royston where John falls ill, his marriage to Constance Temple, and a honeymoon. After returning to England, John abandons his family and isolates himself in Italy, where Constance dies, leaving a legacy of family secrets and the haunting power of the past.
Themes in this chapter
Supernatural and the Occult
The chapter is steeped in supernatural occurrences, from the mysterious noises in the wicker chair to the apparition that appears, suggesting a ghostly presence tied to the violin.
Music as a Dangerous Force
The Gagliarda, a specific piece of music, acts as a trigger for the supernatural phenomena, and the discovery of the Stradivarius violin sets in motion a chain of tragic events, portraying music as a conduit for dark forces.
Characters to notice
- John Maltravers
The protagonist, whose life is irrevocably altered by the supernatural events and the discovery of the violin.
- Mr. Gaskell
John's close friend who confirms the supernatural presence and is a witness to the strange occurrences.
- Constance Temple
John's wife, who becomes entangled in the tragic consequences of his obsession.
- Adrian Temple
Constance's brother, who is part of the family circle affected by the unfolding events.
Key passages
“The Lost Stradivarius”
The narrative centers on the discovery and consequences of a missing Stradivarius violin.
This is the title of the chapter, which encapsulates the central plot device.