How the Cellist of Sarajevo Ends
The Cellist of Sarajevo, written by Steven Galloway, is a gripping novel that delves into the lives of four individuals during the harrowing Siege of Sarajevo. Set against the backdrop of the Bosnian War, the story explores themes of courage, resilience, and the power of music in the face of adversity. In this article, we will examine the conclusion of the novel, drawing from multiple sources for a comprehensive understanding.
The Cellist’s Tribute
Throughout the novel, the cellist, a former member of the Sarajevo Symphony Orchestra, plays Albinoni’s Adagio in the streets of Sarajevo for 22 consecutive days. His performances serve as a poignant tribute to the victims of a recent shelling attack that took the lives of 22 people waiting in a breadline. Despite the danger and chaos surrounding him, the cellist remains steadfast in his mission to honor the fallen and provide solace to the war-torn city.
Arrow’s Ethical Dilemma
Arrow, a skilled sniper tasked with protecting the cellist, grapples with an ethical dilemma. She encounters another sniper who is genuinely moved by the cellist’s music and refrains from taking shots at civilians. Arrow finds herself torn between her duty to eliminate threats and the recognition of the sniper’s humanity. Ultimately, she makes the difficult decision to shoot the sniper, sacrificing one life to save the cellist and preserve the hope he represents.
Kenan’s Resilience
Kenan, a middle-aged father living in Sarajevo, witnesses the violence and suffering caused by the war as he embarks on perilous journeys to fetch water for his family. Despite the hardships, Kenan refuses to let bitterness consume him. He makes a personal commitment to stay hopeful and optimistic, determined to shield his loved ones from the despair that surrounds them. Kenan’s resilience serves as a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Dragan’s Redemption
Dragan, an older man who had isolated himself from his former life, experiences a profound change of heart. He decides to remain in Sarajevo and actively participate in rebuilding the city he had given up on. Dragan realizes that his withdrawal from society was an act of despair and that he has the power to make a positive impact. With newfound determination, he sets out to contribute to the restoration of his community, symbolizing the hope for a better future.
In conclusion, The Cellist of Sarajevo concludes with a powerful depiction of resilience, sacrifice, and redemption. The cellist’s tribute continues to resonate throughout the city, offering solace and inspiration to its war-weary inhabitants. Arrow, Kenan, and Dragan, each facing their own challenges, find the strength to persevere and make choices that embody the indomitable human spirit. Steven Galloway’s novel captures the complexities of war and the remarkable capacity of individuals to find hope amid unimaginable circumstances.
Sources:
- LitCharts. “The Cellist of Sarajevo Plot Summary.” LitCharts, 2024, https://www.litcharts.com/lit/the-cellist-of-sarajevo/summary.
- GradeSaver. “The Cellist of Sarajevo Study Guide.” GradeSaver, 2024, https://www.gradesaver.com/the-cellist-of-sarajevo/study-guide/summary.
- SuperSummary. “The Cellist of Sarajevo Summary.” SuperSummary, 2024, https://www.supersummary.com/the-cellist-of-sarajevo/summary/.
FAQs
How does the cellist’s tribute in “The Cellist of Sarajevo” come to an end?
Answer: The cellist’s tribute, where he plays Albinoni’s Adagio in the streets of Sarajevo, concludes after 22 days, symbolizing the duration of his commemoration for the victims of a shelling attack.
What ethical dilemma does Arrow face towards the end of the novel?
Answer: Arrow, a sniper tasked with protecting the cellist, faces the ethical dilemma of whether to shoot another sniper who shows genuine appreciation for the cellist’s music. Ultimately, she decides to shoot the sniper to save the cellist’s life.
How does Kenan’s story arc conclude in “The Cellist of Sarajevo”?
Answer: Kenan, a middle-aged Sarajevan father, resolves to remain hopeful and optimistic despite witnessing violence and suffering. His story arc concludes with a commitment to shield his family from despair and to endure the hardships brought on by the war.
What transformation does Dragan undergo towards the end of the novel?
Answer: Dragan, an older man who had isolated himself, experiences a transformation as he decides to stay in Sarajevo and actively contribute to its rebuilding. He recognizes the need to make a positive impact and symbolizes the hope for a better future.
Does the cellist’s music have a lasting impact on the characters in “The Cellist of Sarajevo”?
Answer: Yes, the cellist’s music has a profound impact on the characters in the novel. It inspires Arrow to make a difficult decision, infuses Kenan with resilience, and prompts Dragan to seek redemption and actively participate in rebuilding the city.
What themes are explored in the ending of “The Cellist of Sarajevo”?
Answer: The ending of the novel explores themes of resilience, sacrifice, redemption, and the power of art and music to inspire hope even in the midst of war and despair.
Does the novel provide a sense of closure for the characters and the city of Sarajevo?
Answer: While the novel provides a sense of resolution and transformation for the characters, it also acknowledges that the journey of rebuilding and healing for the city of Sarajevo is ongoing. The ending offers hope for a better future but does not tie up all loose ends.
How does the ending of “The Cellist of Sarajevo” leave the reader feeling?
Answer: The ending of the novel leaves the reader with a mix of emotions, including a sense of hope, admiration for the characters’ resilience, and a contemplation of the lasting impact of war on individuals and communities.