» Chapter Four

Chapter Four

Nature shows that with the growth of intelligence comes increased capacity for pain, and it is only with the highest degree of intelligence that suffering reaches its supreme point. – Arthur Schopenhauer

Music

For those that asked, here is the full playlist link for this chapter and embedded player.

Chapter Four did not change much. For those of you that recall, this chapter is crucial for the development of Jason’s character. I tried to pick a teaser, but they’re all so close to one another, so I decided to just post a thick quote from Arthur Schopenhauer that Jason reflects upon:

“No one will deny that in this respect the pleasures of sensibility occupy a higher place than either of the other two fundamental kinds; which exist in an equal, nay, in a greater degree in brutes; it is this preponderating amount of sensibility which distinguishes man from other animals.

Now, our mental powers are forms of sensibility, and therefore a preponderating amount of it makes us capable of that kind of pleasure which has to do with mind, so-called intellectual pleasure; and the more sensibility predominates, the greater the pleasure will be.

For the highest, most varied and lasting pleasures are those of the mind, however much our youth may deceive us on this point; and the pleasure of the mind turns chiefly on the powers of the mind. It is clear, then, that our happiness depends in a great degree upon what we are, upon our individuality.” [1. Arthur Schopenhauer, Wisdom of Life]

Schopenhauer has a great point, but for the first time Jason makes a hinted connection between his current dramatically individualistic lifestyle and (current or ability to) pursuit of all three pleasures, and his silent, secret dissatisfaction with the life he has now, despite how fortunate he believes he is to have retained it. There are some critical components of “pleasure” missing; elements of life Schopenhauer never experienced, either. Although Schopenhauer isn’t necessarily drawing conclusions in this passage about instinct and love, he denigrates human interaction to procedure. But if “feeling” is classified as the most fulfilling “feeling”, then wouldn’t one want to pursue that above the inclination to be wholly selfish? The instinct to procreate and the instinct to love are perhaps the same thing in a sense, a manifestation, not an illusion, not one disguising the other. Additionally, if humanity is so wholly flawed, perhaps love is the redemption and therefore greater than the pursuit of mere instructional instinct. Perhaps companionship is superior to solitude.

Because of Jason’s pondering on these ideas, he is more conscious of the simplicity of unwitting, genuine Ava’s sheltered positivism, much of which is rooted in her Christian values, though she is not a zealot. Ava’s quote from Chapter 16 that: “Instincts don’t even cover love”, holds new weight.

As for the location, I didn’t want to just spam with pictures, but I wrote so much from visuals, and the area is simply stunning. Three Top Mountain’s highest peak is at 1500 ft, but the beauty and abundance of wildlife are legendary. Thank you to the locals that sent me direction and advice. I’m still stubbornly using an oak tree. Thank you to Elizabeth for sending me the links to the city-data forum.

Drive across North Carolina state-line

Three Top Mountain, North Carolina

Beethoven’s 6th Symphony was hugely inspirational for this chapter. I basically had it on repeat for at least six hours of consecutive writing and editing. This masterpiece is my third favorite symphony from Beethoven and his most delightful. Beethoven loved nature and spent a great deal of his time on walks in the country, writing this epic masterpiece with wildlife as inspiration. This is nature captured in the mastery of music, showing he is truly the greatest composer of all time. Pure Brilliance.

Symphony No. 6, Movement 1

I wrote the drive to the mountains and the first day to the First Movement. Here is an excellent summary for the music aficionados:

“The symphony begins with this placid and cheerful movement depicting the composer’s feelings as he arrives in the country. The work is in sonata form, and makes use of seven distinct motifs, each of which is extensively developed and transformed. An unusual aspect of the movement is the use of a microscopic texture, obtained by multiple repetitions of very short motifs. As Yvonne Frindle has said, “the infinite repetition of pattern in nature [is] conveyed through rhythmic cells, its immensity through sustained pure harmonies.” [2. Wikipedia, Symphony No. 6]

Symphony No. 6, Movement 3

I wrote the entire second and third scene with this movement constantly playing. It is passionate, humbling, exquisite and joyful music. My absolute favorite of the entire symphony.

Here is another excerpt for those that enjoy the musical composition, or want to learn something new.

“This is the scherzo movement of the symphony, which depicts the country folk dancing and reveling. It is in F major, returning to the main key of the symphony. The trio appears twice rather than just once, and each time it appears it is interrupted by a boisterous passage in 2/4 time (a similar 2/4 eruption is found in Beethoven’s Hammerklavier sonata for piano). Perhaps to accommodate this rather spacious arrangement, Beethoven left out the normally observed repeats of the second parts of the scherzo and the trio. The final return of Scherzo conveys a riotous atmosphere with a faster tempo. The movement ends abruptly when the country folk notice that raindrops are starting to fall.” [2. Wikipedia, Symphony No. 6]

Symphony No. 6, Movement 4

The complete performance can be listened to here.

After arriving, Jason sets up camp and thoroughly enjoys his environment. Feeling inspired, he has an excellent three days in the wilderness. During a huge portion of the second and third scenes, Jason is on the mountain, and revelations and resolutions are the order. These songs kept nagging me.

Seriously, just wanted an excuse to write to this. Dedicated to the MastaJeweler (aka Editor-in-Chief, Kirsten) and her undying love for Beck:

Timebomb by Beck

Pistol of Fire by Kings of Leon

In the final scene on the mountain, Jason regresses and a new side of his rage, pain and control is revealed. His anger and his frustration understandably surge, although over something he refuses to fully acknowledge or dwell upon. His avoidance and denial are patterns of behavior that have become habit.

Some originals from the previous version: