The Song of the Lark · Chapter
XIII explained
Wunsch departs Moonstone after losing his pupils, leaving a marked score for Thea.
What happens
Wunsch departs Moonstone after losing his pupils, leaving a marked score for Thea. Thea runs to the station to say goodbye. Later, Wunsch suffers a breakdown, is found in the sand hills, and is brought to the Kohlers' home. During the night, he becomes violent, chasing Spanish Johnny away and chopping down the Kohlers' dove-house before being subdued.
Themes in this chapter
Artistic Ambition and Sacrifice
Wunsch's departure and breakdown highlight the precarious life of a musician and the sacrifices made for art; his faith in Thea's future underscores the theme.
Community and Alienation
Wunsch's isolation and the Kohlers' care for him contrast with his eventual violent alienation; the community's response reflects both support and estrangement.
The Role of Place and Environment
The desert landscape and Moonstone's small-town setting shape Wunsch's memories and Thea's character; the Kohlers' garden and dove-house are central to the chapter's climax.
Characters to notice
- Herr Wunsch
Leaves Moonstone after losing pupils; inscribes a score for Thea; suffers a breakdown and becomes violent, chopping down the Kohlers' dove-house.
- Thea Kronborg
Runs to the station to say goodbye to Wunsch; later discovers him in the sand hills and is sent away by Dr. Archie.
- Mrs. Kohler
Mends Wunsch's clothes and prepares a bed for him; grieves his departure and later witnesses his violent rampage.
- Fritz Kohler
Makes trousers for Wunsch; helps care for him during his breakdown; barricades the door when Wunsch becomes violent.
- Dr. Howard Archie
Finds Wunsch in the sand hills and arranges his transport; later administers a sedative to calm him.
- Spanish Johnny
Stays to watch over Wunsch but flees when Wunsch becomes violent and threatens him with a chair.
Key passages
“Einst, O Wunder! — A. Wunsch Moonstone, Colo., September 30, 18—”
Wunsch inscribes a mysterious German phrase ('Once, O Wonder!') in a score he gives to Thea before leaving.
The inscription reflects Wunsch's belief in Thea's potential and his own artistic longing.
“She had been running. Ah, she will run a long way; they cannot stop her!”
Wunsch watches Thea run to the station and thinks she will go far in life, unstoppable.
Highlights Wunsch's prophetic faith in Thea's future and her determined nature.
“He would never come back, the poor man; she knew that. He would drift on from new town to new town, from catastrophe to catastrophe.”
Mrs. Kohler realizes Wunsch will never return and will continue a life of wandering and misfortune.
Emphasizes the transient and tragic fate of itinerant artists in the West.
“Die Bäume, die Bäume! He is cutting our trees, Fritz!”
Mrs. Kohler cries out that Wunsch is chopping down their trees.
Shows the destructive climax of Wunsch's breakdown and the threat to the Kohlers' cherished garden.