The best moments of music in literature

Haruki Murakami said that ‘I feel that most of what I know about writing fiction I learned from music.’ Music and literature enjoy a close relationship. Authors rely on rhythm and tone for their writing. So when a writer chooses to incorporate music into their work, it always makes for a powerful moment, connecting the reader in a sensory way to the story. 

Music functions as a character in Pride and Prejudice. As a guest at Netherfield Hall one evening, Elizabeth Bennet’s sister Mary gives a performance that is not well received. Her voice is described as ‘weak, and her manner affected.’ Mary, however, remains blissfully unaware of the uncomfortable atmosphere her music provides. She starts to sing a further song, only for her father to interrupt: ‘That will do extremely well, child. You have delighted us long enough.’ Music then makes Mr Collins boast that if he could sing, he would be very good, and that he considers ‘‘music as a very innocent diversion, and perfectly compatible with the profession of a clergyman’.