The Music-Lover by Henry Van Dyke
The story revolves around a young man who is obsessed with music and his desire to become a great musician. He is driven by a passion for beauty and perfection, but his obsession ultimately leads him down a path of self-destruction. As he becomes increasingly consumed by his art, he neglects his relationships and responsibilities, causing those around him to suffer. His family and friends try to intervene, but he refuses to listen, convinced that his music is the only thing that truly matters. The novel explores themes of obsession, ambition, and the dangers of unchecked passion. It raises questions about the cost of pursuing one's dreams and the importance of balancing artistic expression with real-world responsibilities.
By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1903 · Genre: Fiction, Literary Fiction, Music · 3,259 words
First lines
The Music-Lover had come to his favourite seat. It was in the front row of the balcony, just where the curve reaches its outermost point, and, like a rounded headland, meets the unbroken flow of the long-rolling, invisible waves of rhythmical sound.
The value of that chosen place did not seem to be known to the world, else there would have been a higher price demanded for the privilege of occupying it. People were willing to pay far more to get into the boxes, or even to have a chair reserved on the crowded level of the parquet.
What this Textopian page supports
The Music-Lover is listed on Textopian as a novella by Henry Van Dyke, dated 1903 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: 1903 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fiction, Literary Fiction, Music, Philosophical, Psychological
- Length: 3,259 words
- Structure: 1 section, 40 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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- Work identity for The Music-Lover by Henry Van Dyke
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Fiction — The narrative is a fictional account centered around a music lover's experience at a concert.
- Literary Fiction — The writing style is rich and descriptive, focusing on the internal thoughts and emotions of the protagonist.
- Music — The central theme revolves around music and its impact on the protagonist, with detailed descriptions of a concert experience.
- Philosophical — The text explores deeper philosophical questions about art, music, and human experience.
Tags
Philosophical Fiction · Literary Novel · Psychological Insight · Character Study · Social Commentary · Moral Allegory · Existential Crisis · Inner Turmoil · Self-Discovery · Coming of Age · Romanticism · Nostalgia