The Second Violin

"The Second Violin" by Grace S. Richmond is a heartfelt story from the early 1900s that looks at the Birch family as they face life's difficulties and the importance of being together and sacrificing for one another. The story's central character, Charlotte, affectionately called the family's "second violin", is at the heart of the story. The scene is set one day as the Birch family is practicing their music and the oldest son has a fit. Tensions arise during one of these sessions when John Lansing Birch, the first violin, gets frustrated and directs his frustrations at his younger sister. Nevertheless, the scene underscores the family's close dynamics and support for one another, particularly when their father, Mr. Birch, reveals their mother's health struggles, thereby underscoring the sacrifices they must make. The family prepares for a significant trip to seek treatment for their mother, putting their own lives and aspirations aside to provide her with care and support, which establishes the story's emphasis on familial bonds, personal ambition, and the ability to adapt when circumstances change and life is hard.