The Lost Stradivarius · Chapter
The Lost Stradivarius explained
John Maltravers, a young man of good family and moderate fortune, matriculates at Magdalen Hall, Oxford, where he forms a close friendship with William Gaskell.
What happens
John Maltravers, a young man of good family and moderate fortune, matriculates at Magdalen Hall, Oxford, where he forms a close friendship with William Gaskell. After purchasing an old wicker chair, John begins to hear strange noises emanating from it, which are triggered by playing a particular piece of music, the Gagliarda. He soon sees the apparition of a man in the chair, a vision that Gaskell confirms is a supernatural presence. During a summer vacation at Worth, John discovers a hidden Stradivarius violin, which he sends to London for appraisal. The discovery is followed by a series of events, including a Christmas at Royston where John falls ill, his marriage to Constance Temple, and a honeymoon. After returning to England, John abandons his family and isolates himself in Italy, where Constance dies, leaving a legacy of family secrets and the haunting power of the past.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
This is the climax because it delivers the story’s central revelation and irreversible turning point: the caus…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Supernatural and the Occult
The chapter is steeped in supernatural occurrences, from the mysterious noises in the wicker chair to the apparition that appears, suggesting a ghostly presence tied to the violin.
- Music as a Dangerous Force
The Gagliarda, a specific piece of music, acts as a trigger for the supernatural phenomena, and the discovery of the Stradivarius violin sets in motion a chain of tragic events, portraying music as a conduit for dark forces.
Characters to notice
- John Maltravers
The protagonist, whose life is irrevocably altered by the supernatural events and the discovery of the violin.
- Mr. Gaskell
John's close friend who confirms the supernatural presence and is a witness to the strange occurrences.
- Constance Temple
John's wife, who becomes entangled in the tragic consequences of his obsession.
- Adrian Temple
Constance's brother, who is part of the family circle affected by the unfolding events.
Key passages
“The Lost Stradivarius”
The narrative centers on the discovery and consequences of a missing Stradivarius violin.
This is the title of the chapter, which encapsulates the central plot device.
