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Cover of The Ruling Passion: Tales of Nature and Human Nature

The Ruling Passion: Tales of Nature and Human Nature

Written by Henry Van Dyke

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FictionShort stories, American

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About this book

"The Ruling Passion: Tales of Nature and Human Nature" by Henry Van Dyke is a collection of short stories written in the late 19th century. The book explores the concept of ruling passions that govern human behavior and perception, enshrining themes of love, nature, and the complexities of the human experience. It’s divided into various tales featuring characters that confront their passions in relation to the world around them, revealing insights into their true natures. The opening of the collection begins with a reflective piece where the author addresses the responsibilities of a writer, expressing a desire to weave narratives that resonate with genuine human emotions. This preface sets the stage for the exploration of life's many passions—whether they be love, ambition, honor, or devotion—highlighting how these elements shape individual stories. Following this is the story of “A Lover of Music,” introducing the character Jacques Tremblay—a mysterious fiddle player who arrives in a backwoods village during a New Year's Eve celebration. His arrival, seemingly by chance, brings music into a gathering that was teetering toward disappointment over the absence of a band. This tale establishes the central theme of music as a powerful passion and sets a whimsical tone for the stories to come.

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Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Ruling Passion: Tales of Nature and Human Nature, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • Reflective
  • Whimsical
  • Pastoral

Henry Van Dyke's "The Ruling Passion: Tales of Nature and Human Nature" is a late 19th-century collection of short stories that delves into the profound influence of governing passions on human behavior and perception. Through a series of character-driven narratives, the book explores how love, ambition, devotion, and other intense emotions shape individuals' lives and their interactions with the natural world. The collection opens with a reflective preface on a writer's responsibility to capture genuine human emotions, setting a contemplative tone for the tales that follow. Each story serves as a vignette, revealing insights into the true natures of its characters as they confront their defining passions amidst diverse settings, often highlighting the interplay between inner human experience and external natural beauty. The work ultimately aims to illuminate universal truths about the human spirit and its enduring connection to the world.

“Every soul, like a river, is guided by its deepest current, its ruling passion, towards its inevitable sea.”

Key themes

The Ruling Passion
This is the central, overarching theme of the collection. Van Dyke explores the idea that every individual is profoundly influenced, if not entirely governed, by a dominant passion—be it love, ambition, art, devotion, or honor. The stories delve into how these passions shape perception, dictate choices, and ultimately define a character's destiny and identity. It examines both the constructive and destructive potential of such intense emotional and psychological drives.
Nature as a Mirror and Influence
Nature in Van Dyke's tales is rarely just a backdrop; it often acts as a resonant force, reflecting human emotions, providing solace, or posing challenges that reveal inner truths. The descriptions of landscapes, seasons, and natural phenomena are interwoven with the characters' psychological states, suggesting a deep, often spiritual, connection between humanity and the environment. Nature can inspire, humble, or provide clarity to those grappling with their passions.
The Power of Art and Music
Illustrated prominently in 'A Lover of Music,' this theme highlights art's capacity to transcend social barriers, uplift spirits, and foster profound human connection. Music, in particular, is presented as a universal language, a 'ruling passion' that can bring joy, unity, and a sense of shared humanity to diverse communities. It suggests that artistic expression is not merely entertainment but a vital force for emotional and spiritual sustenance.

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How does Van Dyke define a 'ruling passion,' and what examples from the stories best illustrate this concept?

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