Nathaniel’s Relationship with Music
Nathaniel’s Relationship with Music In his book The Soloist, Steve Lopez introduces us to Nathaniel, a mentally disturbed homeless man who has a special relationship with music. Lopez gradually befriends Nathaniel after noticing him play his violin with unusual skill and passion. Throughout their introduction, Lopez notices the strong relationship between Nathaniel and the music he plays. For Nathaniel, the act of playing on a violin is a way to escape from hostile reality and to find peace within his disturbed mind. Music forms a barrier between him and the environment he is in, as well as connecting him to the artists of the past as well as his passion for their history. Music is also Nathaniel’s only chance to get back to normal life - according to the doctor, there’s no “textbook treatment” that can cure his mental illness. Even Nathaniel’s life goals are centered around music: he simply wants to make the best out of his current situation by performing on his violin until he dies. Altogether, music is Nathaniel’s best friend, a chance of survival, and a lifelong passion. After meeting him, one of the first things Lopez notices is that for Nathaniel, “Music is a meditation, a reverie, a respite from madness. It is his way to be alone without fear” (37). According to Wikipedia, schizophrenia has 6 major symptoms, including hallucinations, delusions, disordered thinking, and social withdrawal. People who suffer from schizophrenia need something to rely on in their life, and for Nathaniel that help comes from music. Without music he is just a person under constant attack from schizophrenia, but while he is playing cello, all worry of the symptoms is gone and he is a musician. Through music, he can identify with historically famous musicians and join the normal world, away from the homelessness and danger of the streets. Other than the barrier from mental disease, music gives Nathaniel an identity and a willpower to live. The author’s