Billy Budd, The Fiddler summary
The Fiddler of 49 · 10 min to read the chapter
In The Fiddler, Helmstone reacts to harsh criticism of his poem by meeting Hautboy, whose happiness and musical skill unsettle his assumptions about genius. After Standard reveals that Hautboy enjoys obscurity despite an extraordinary performing career, Helmstone destroys his manuscripts and begins learning the fiddle from him.
What happens
- Upset by criticism of his poem, Helmstone meets Standard, who introduces him to Hautboy and accompanies them to a circus.
- Hautboy’s delight in the clown challenges Helmstone’s contempt for popular applause.
- At Taylor’s, Helmstone admires Hautboy’s judgment but then argues that such contentment must depend on ordinary abilities.
- Hautboy returns and invites both friends home, where his fiddle playing dispels Helmstone’s bitterness.
- Standard reveals that Hautboy is a celebrated former prodigy who now supports himself through music lessons.
- The next day, Helmstone destroys his manuscripts, buys a fiddle, and starts lessons with Hautboy.
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How does Hautboy earn his living?
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