# Obsession and Possession in The Lost Stradivarius

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

The narrative centers on John Maltravers' obsessive attachment to the Stradivarius violin and the music of the 'Areopagita' suite, which increasingly possesses his mind and soul, leading to his moral and physical ruin.

## Where it surfaces

- [Miss Sophia Maltravers’ Story](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lost_stradivarius_se/chapters/miss-sophia-maltravers-story): John's obsessive attachment to the violin and its influence over his life and decisions.
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lost_stradivarius_se/chapters/vii): John's excitement and secrecy over the violin, and his later concern about rightful ownership, highlight the theme of possession and its moral implications.
- [IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lost_stradivarius_se/chapters/ix): John's secretive attachment to the violin and his reluctance to reveal its existence reflect his growing obsession.
- [Chapter XI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lost_stradivarius_se/chapters/xi): John's compulsive repetition of the gagliarda and his fixation on the portrait.
- [Mr. Gaskell’s Note](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_lost_stradivarius_se/chapters/mr-gaskell-s-note): John's obsession with the diary and the past consumes him, leading to his physical and moral decline.

## Links

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