Fiddles by Francis Hopkinson Smith
The novel follows the story of a young man named Fiddles, who is a talented violinist. He is a poor orphan, living in a small town in the American South. He is taken in by a kindly old man, who teaches him to play the violin. Fiddles soon becomes a master of the instrument, and is able to make a living playing in the local taverns. Fiddles falls in love with a beautiful young woman named Mary, who is the daughter of a wealthy plantation owner. Despite their social differences, the two are deeply in love. However, Mary's father disapproves of their relationship and forbids them from seeing each other. Fiddles is determined to win Mary's hand, and sets out on a quest to make his fortune. He travels to New York City, where he finds success as a violinist. He eventually returns to his hometown, where he is able to win Mary's father's approval and marry her. The novel is a classic love story, with a strong emphasis on the power of music and the importance of following one's dreams. It is a timeless tale of love, ambition, and the pursuit of happiness.
By Francis Hopkinson Smith · First published 1909 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Adventure · 6,459 words
First lines
This is Marny's story, not mine. He had a hammer in his hand at the time and a tack between his teeth.
"Going to hang Fiddles right under the old fellow's head," he burst out. "That's where he belongs. I'd have given a ten-acre if he could have drawn a bead on that elk himself. Fiddles behind a .44 Winchester and that old buck browsing to windward" -- and he nodded at the elk's head -- "would have made the village Mayor sit up and think. What a picturesque liar you are, Fiddles" -- here the point of the tack was pressed into the plaster with Marny's fat thumb -- "and what a good-for-nothing, breezy, lovable vagabond" -- (Bang! Bang! Hammer at play now) -- "you could be when you tried. There!"
What this Textopian page supports
Fiddles is listed on Textopian as a short story by Francis Hopkinson Smith, dated 1909 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Francis Hopkinson Smith
- Date: 1909 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Adventure, Mystery, Drama
- Length: 6,459 words
- Structure: 1 section, 87 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Fiddles by Francis Hopkinson Smith
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Fiddles?
- How does this short story by Francis Hopkinson Smith fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Historical Fiction — The book is set in the late 19th century and follows the story of a young violinist, so it is likely to contain elements of historical fiction.
- Romance — The book follows the story of a young violinist and his romantic relationships, so it is likely to contain elements of romance.
- Adventure — The book follows the story of a young violinist and his adventures, so it is likely to contain elements of adventure.
- Mystery — The book follows the story of a young violinist and his attempts to solve a mystery, so it is likely to contain elements of mystery.
Tags
Americans · Fiction · Germany · Poachers · Short stories · back · behind · cobbler · come · could · day · door