Fiddles 1909

"Fiddles" by Francis Hopkinson Smith is a touching story told from the perspective of an American painter named Marny, as it follows the unlikely friendship that he has with an amusing wanderer called Fiddles. Their bond grows stronger amongst comedic escapades, like dodging the authorities. Set in the early 1900s, the story touches on themes of companionship, the creative lifestyle, and the divide between different levels of society. Despite Fiddles' lighthearted nature and his talent for getting out of tricky situations, the story takes a sorrowful turn when he faces a sudden and unhappy end while Marny is trying to help him start a new chapter in America. Marnys's thoughts about Fiddles emphasize how complex their friendship was, and the way life can quickly change, bringing about strong feelings of sadness for those reading.