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Before we’re introduced to him, Stobrod Thewes is described as a lazy ne’er-do-well who can’t even take care of his own child, Ruby. But when we meet Stobrod, he’s turned over a new leaf. Stobrod’s desire to become a better man—more honest, harder working, etc.—is symbolized by his devotion to playing the fiddle. Stobrod uses his talent for music to provide joy and amusement to others, and devotes long hours to learning and perfecting his craft. In a novel about making big changes in life, Stobrod’s fiddle is a powerful reminder that it’s not too late to start again.
The Fiddle Quotes in Cold Mountain
The Cold Mountain quotes below all refer to the symbol of The Fiddle. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
).
Chapter 12
Quotes
To Ada, though, it seemed akin to miracle that Stobrod, of all people, should offer himself up as proof positive that no matter what a waste one has made of one's life, it is ever possible to find some path to redemption, however partial.
Related Characters:
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Explanation and Analysis:
Get the entire Cold Mountain LitChart as a printable PDF.
The Fiddle Symbol Timeline in Cold Mountain
The timeline below shows where the symbol The Fiddle appears in Cold Mountain. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 12: freewill savages
...Ada asks Stobrod about his time in battle, but Stobrod says little. He produces a fiddle and plays it for his hosts’ entertainment. He tells Ruby the story of how he...
(full context)
...be so interested in fiddling (Ruby points out that before the war he played the fiddle, but showed no great passion for it). In 1862, Stobrod was stationed in Richmond. There,...
(full context)
...Ada and Ruby. Ruby is amazed that her father shows so much talent for the fiddle. She remembers how he got his nickname long ago—he stole a ham, and was beaten...
(full context)
Chapter 16: naught and grief
...dismount and begin cooking their food over the fire—sausage. Teague orders Stobrod to play his fiddle. Stobrod and Pangle begin playing a tune, largely improvised. They’re shaky at first, but gradually...
(full context)
Chapter 17: black bark in winter
...find Pangle’s body lying next to a tree. Ruby can’t find Stobrod, however, and his fiddle is also missing. Ruby wonders aloud if the Home Guard took Stobrod with them instead...
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Chapter 19: the far side of trouble
...books about art, botany, and travel. Inman will learn Greek, and Stobrod will play the fiddle for them, assuming that he survives. Ada tells Inman about what their life would be...
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Epilogue: October of 1874
...to love the stars, the trees, and the soil. In the evening, Stobrod plays the fiddle for Ada, Reid, Ruby, and all four children. As the night goes on, Ada reads...
(full context)
