What came first-the music or the misery? Did I listen to music because I was miserable? Or was I miserable because I listened to music? Do all those records turn you into a melancholy person?
In Nick Hornby's "High Fidelity," the protagonist explores the relationship between music and personal emotions, questioning the cyclical nature of his feelings. He ponders whether his enjoyment of music stems from a baseline of misery or if it amplifies his existing sadness. This introspection highlights the complex interplay between art and emotional well-being.
Through these reflections, the book suggests that music may serve as both a comfort and a source of melancholy. The protagonist's musings on records and their emotional resonance reveal a deeper inquiry into how our tastes and experiences shape our identities. Ultimately, Hornby invites readers to consider how art can reflect, influence, and even define our emotional states.
