Rothchild's Fiddle

Chekhov's biographer Ernest Simmons wrote of this tale, "…it is a perfect little study in the harmony of mood and tone."

Let's examine the title of the story and its significance. Look over the story again and note the descriptions of Yakov's fiddle, of music and music-making. Using these as your guide, tell what you think the fiddle (its music also) represents, consciously and subconsciously, to Yakov, Marya, and Rothschild. And how does it link them to each other?

It's a short story, and a "little study," but still this calls for some deep thinking on your part.

Part III of Heart of Darkness—ponder, discuss, report:

Groups:

Post your discussion notes here, making sure to identify which of the issues you chose to focus upon.

¶10: Kurtz’s first appearance and the meeting…kinship? Eyes?

¶13-16: The African Queen. The spirit of the wilderness?

¶18-21: Kurtz vs. the Manager: Choice of nightmares…”As it happens, I am Mr. Kurtz’s friend—in a way.

¶23-29: a descent into Hades? An encounter with the Fates?

¶29: Compare with Pt. II, ¶29.

¶33: Wistfulness and hate

¶36: The manager’s triumph. “Unsound method.”

¶48: Marlow’s valedictory on Kurtz