The Fiddler by Herman Melville
The novel revolves around a young sailor who joins a whaling ship and becomes obsessed with the fiddle he finds on board. The story explores themes of identity, morality, and the search for meaning in life. The protagonist's fixation on the fiddle serves as a metaphor for his own creative expression and emotional connection to the world around him. As he navigates the harsh realities of whaling, he grapples with the tension between his artistic aspirations and the brutal demands of his profession. Throughout the novel, Melville critiques the societal norms that stifle individuality and creativity, while also exploring the complexities of human nature and the search for transcendence.
By Herman Melville · First published 1855 · Genre: Short Story, Philosophical Fiction, Literary Fiction · 3,253 words
First lines
So my poem is damned, and immortal fame is not for me! I am nobody forever and ever. Intolerable fate!
Snatching my hat, I dashed down the criticism and rushed out into Broadway, where enthusiastic throngs were crowding to a circus in a side-street near by, very recently started, and famous for a capital clown.
What this Textopian page supports
The Fiddler is listed on Textopian as a short story by Herman Melville, dated 1855 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Herman Melville
- Date: 1855 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Short Story, Philosophical Fiction, Literary Fiction, Satire, Psychological Fiction
- Length: 3,253 words
- Structure: 1 section, 60 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Short Story — The work is a concise narrative focusing on a specific incident and character interaction.
- Philosophical Fiction — Explores themes of fame, happiness, and the nature of genius through introspective dialogue and character study.
- Literary Fiction — Emphasizes character development, thematic depth, and stylistic prose over plot-driven elements.
- Satire — Critiques societal values and the pursuit of fame through irony and character contrast.
Tags
Fiction · Novel · American Literature · 19th Century · Adventure · Coming-of-Age · Self-Discovery · Identity Crisis · Social Commentary · Class Struggle · Morality Tale · Moral Ambiguity