A Lover of Music by Henry Van Dyke
The story revolves around a young musician who becomes infatuated with a beautiful woman and dedicates his music to her. He composes a series of songs that express his love for her, but she remains oblivious to his affections. As the musician's obsession grows, he begins to neglect his relationships with others and his own well-being suffers. His music, once a source of joy, becomes a tool for self-expression and a means to win the woman's heart. The narrative explores themes of love, obsession, and the power of art to transcend reality. The story is a poignant commentary on the human experience, highlighting the dangers of unchecked passion and the importance of balance in life.
By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1906 · Genre: Fiction, Drama, Romance · 4 chapters · 12,533 words
First lines
He entered the backwoods village of Bytown literally on the wings of the wind. It whirled him along like a big snowflake, and dropped him at the door of Moody's "Sportsmen's Retreat," as if he were a New Year's gift from the North Pole. His coming seemed a mere chance; but perhaps there was something more in it, after all. At all events, you shall hear, if you will, the time and the manner of his arrival.
What this Textopian page supports
A Lover of Music is listed on Textopian as a novella by Henry Van Dyke, dated 1906 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Henry Van Dyke
- Date: 1906 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fiction, Drama, Romance, Music, Historical
- Length: 12,533 words
- Structure: 4 chapters, 151 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for A Lover of Music by Henry Van Dyke
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering A Lover of Music?
- How does this novella by Henry Van Dyke fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- The Wedding Ring by Henry Van Dyke
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- The Magnet by Leo Tolstoy
- The Countersign Of The Cradle by Henry Van Dyke
- A Fortnight At The Dead Lake by Paul Heyse
Genres
- Fiction — The narrative is a fictional story set in a backwoods village, focusing on characters and their interactions.
- Drama — The story involves emotional and dramatic elements, such as personal conflicts and resolutions.
- Romance — There are romantic undertones, particularly in the relationship between Jacques and Serena.
- Music — Music is a central theme, with the protagonist being a fiddler and music influencing the plot.
Tags
Philosophical Fiction · Literary Classic · American Literature · 19th Century Novel · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Social Commentary · Moral Allegory · Coming of Age · Self-Discovery · Love Story · Music as Metaphor