The Fiddler of the Reels
"The Fiddler of the Reels" by Thomas Hardy explores the lives of three characters in South Wessex during the time of the Great Exhibition of 1851. The central figure, Wat Ollamoor, known as "Mop," is a charismatic fiddler whose music captivates the local women, particularly Car'line Aspent, a young woman engaged to another man, Ned Hipcroft. Car'line becomes infatuated with Mop's enchanting melodies, leading to emotional turmoil and a rift in her engagement. As the story unfolds, Car'line's obsession with Mop leads her to neglect her fiancé, Ned, who eventually leaves for London after being rejected. Four years later, Car'line reaches out to Ned, expressing regret for her past decision and a desire to marry him. However, upon arriving in London, she surprises Ned with the revelation that she has a child, whom she claims is Mop's. The narrative culminates in a dramatic encounter at a local inn where Mop reappears, leading to Car'line's emotional breakdown. The story ends ambiguously, with Car'line's fate uncertain as she disappears with Mop and their child, leaving Ned distraught and questioning the nature of love and obsession. The tale reflects themes of desire, the impact of music, and the complexities of human relationships.
By Thomas Hardy · First published 1888 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction · 8,186 words
First lines
"Talking of Exhibitions, World's Fairs, and whatnot," said the old gentleman, "I would not go round the corner to see a dozen of them nowadays. The only exhibition that ever made, or ever will make, any impression upon my imagination was the first of the series, the parent of them all, and now a thing of old times -- the Great Exhibition of 1851, in Hyde Park, London. None of the younger generation can realize the sense of novelty it produced in us who were then in our prime. A noun substantive went so far as to become an adjective in honour of the occasion. It was ‘exhibition' hat, ‘exhibition' razor-strop, ‘exhibition' watch; nay, even ‘exhibition' weather, ‘exhibition' spirits, sweethearts, babies, wives -- for the time.
What this Textopian page supports
The Fiddler of the Reels is listed on Textopian as a short story by Thomas Hardy, dated 1888 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Thomas Hardy
- Date: 1888 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Literary Fiction, Romance, Historical Fiction, Drama, Tragedy
- Length: 8,186 words
- Structure: 1 section, 85 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Similar titles
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Genres
- Literary Fiction — The novel explores complex themes of love, obsession, and societal change, characteristic of literary fiction.
- Romance — The central plot revolves around romantic entanglements and emotional relationships between characters.
- Historical Fiction — Set against the backdrop of the Great Exhibition of 1851, it reflects historical events and societal norms of the time.
- Drama — The narrative contains intense emotional conflicts and character-driven drama.
Tags
Fiction · Novel · English Literature · 19th Century · Realism · Social Commentary · Poverty · Class Struggle · Rural Life · Music · Fiddle Player · Isolation