Laziness and comfort creep in as welcome guests on this quiet day.
Although relaxing together, each member of the family is separated by their own individual thoughts, connected only by the melody. The younger one imagines stories that seem to follow the crescendo of the tune as she constructs characters and fairy tales. While the tune frees her imagination, she is unaware that her brother is feeling pensive about tomorrow and her father is dwelling on the past. Their mother wants to insulate them and protect them from pain. Forbidding the world to enter their sanctuary, she creates barriers with music.
They are simultaneously encapsulated by the music. Free from the outside world, yet imprisoned in their own minds. Bonded by the shared experience.
This post features A Music Party, painted by Arthur Hughes (1832-1915)
I think the Dad is sleeping.
After reading the vignette, I felt a strong sense that they are imprisoned by the music. You find amazing nuances in these – I know I probably would not have seen all that, wihtout being told it was there.