# Decline and Corruption in The Lost Stradivarius

> Theme guide for The Lost Stradivarius by John Meade Falkner.

John Maltravers undergoes a visible physical and psychological decline, marked by pallor, lethargy, and a growing selfishness, as his character is corrupted by his secretive obsession and the evil influence of the violin and its history.

## Where it surfaces

- [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lost_stradivarius_se/chapters/viii): Adrian Temple's life of licentiousness and wickedness exemplifies moral decline and corruption.
- [The Summer and the Wedding](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lost_stradivarius_se/chapters/x): John's physical and emotional deterioration is evident, marking a decline from his former self and the corruption of his marriage.
- [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lost_stradivarius_se/chapters/xi): John's physical and mental deterioration, and the erosion of his marriage.
- [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lost_stradivarius_se/chapters/xii): John's physical and moral decline is starkly portrayed as he wastes away in Italy.
- [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lost_stradivarius_se/chapters/xiii): John's physical decline and the villa's oppressive, decadent atmosphere reflect moral and physical decay.
- [XIV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lost_stradivarius_se/chapters/xiv): The once-grand palace is now divided into sordid tenements, symbolizing moral and physical decay.
- [XV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lost_stradivarius_se/chapters/xv): John's physical and mental deterioration is evident; the evil history seems to be unfolding.
- [Mr. Gaskell’s Note](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lost_stradivarius_se/chapters/mr-gaskell-s-note): John's moral and physical deterioration is detailed, from a strong, genial man to a reserved, saturnine invalid.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lost_stradivarius_se/themes/decline_and_corruption
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lost_stradivarius_se/themes