# XV explained — The Lost Stradivarius > Chapter companion for The Lost Stradivarius by John Meade Falkner. ## What happens John and his brother return to England, with John's health declining. They stop in London for medical advice from Dr. Frobisher, who diagnoses advanced lung and heart disease. They proceed to Worth Maltravers, where on Christmas morning John is found sleepwalking and playing the violin, causing a terrifying sound. The chapter ends with a peaceful Christmas breakfast with Mr. Gaskell and plans for Mrs. Temple and little Edward to visit. ## Themes in this chapter ### Music as a Dangerous Force The gagliarda and the violin continue to haunt John, culminating in a terrifying sleepwalking episode on Christmas morning. ### Decline and Corruption John's physical and mental deterioration is evident; the evil history seems to be unfolding. ### Supernatural and the Occult The violin is described as an 'actively malignant spirit'; the narrator senses a supernatural connection to the tragic events. ## Character check-ins ### John Maltravers Shows weakness and exhaustion, but improves mentally during journey; insists on bringing the Stradivarius; sleepwalks and plays violin on Christmas morning. ### Mr. Gaskell Accompanies John and his brother; explains the Christmas morning violin incident as sleepwalking; reassures the narrator. ### Dr. Frobisher Examines John in London; diagnoses advanced lung disease and heart affection; recommends London residence but John refuses. ### Raffaelle Carotenuto Initially left behind in Italy, but begs to accompany them to England; his devotion wins over the narrator. ### Parnham Resumes duties as valet; sent ahead to Worth to prepare for their arrival. ## Key lines > The next morning my health and strength were entirely restored to me, but my brother, on the contrary, seemed weak and exhausted from his efforts of the previous night. The narrator felt fully recovered, but John was drained and feeble after the night's events. _Highlights John's deteriorating condition._ > Even the Stradivarius violin bore a part in the tragedy, becoming, as it were, an actively malignant spirit, though I could not explain how. The narrator sensed the violin was an evil force in the tragedy, though he couldn't understand how. _Reinforces the theme of music as a dangerous force._ > He shook his head gravely, and recommended that Sir John should remain for the present in London, under his own constant supervision. Dr. Frobisher was concerned and advised John to stay in London for close monitoring. _Shows the seriousness of John's health._ > Its last sound was not a musical note, but rather a horrible scream, such as I pray I may never hear again. The violin's final sound was a terrifying scream, not music. _Emphasizes the supernatural and disturbing nature of the music._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lost_stradivarius_se/chapters/xv - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lost_stradivarius_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_lost_stradivarius_se/chapters