Clio

"Clio" by Anatole France is a fictional story from late 1800's that explores the life of an old traveling musician as he thinks about what life means and how time passes. The main character, the Aged One, is a wise bard dealing with growing old as he recalls his life and his people's history. After playing for kings and queens, the story begins with him heading back to his town named Kyme. On his way, he shows his respect for nature and God. The story also presents Melantho, a former slave who cares for the Aged One, which shows the differences between social classes. Through his dreams and teaching kids, the bard thinks about what it means to be human, how life is temporary, and how art lives on forever; these thoughts present an emotional exploration of memories, what we leave behind, and who we are as a people.