Rothschild's Fiddle

Brief Overview

The story "Rothschild's Fiddle" tells the life of Yakov Ivanov, a poor coffin maker living in a small town. He is a coarse and embittered man who fails to appreciate the joys of life. His wife, Marfa, dies, prompting him to reflect on his life and how he has lived it. Yakov begins to play the violin, which he previously undervalued, and his music touches people's hearts. At the end of the story, Yakov dies, and his violin is passed on to Rothschild, a Jewish musician who finds solace and joy in it.