Introduction
A large number of authors resort to the use of repetitive themes, symbols, and character traits, the main task of which is to draw the reader’s attention to a particular problem. E.T.A. Hoffmann resorted to this method in his work “The Sandman.” By repeating such themes as madness, duality, obsession, and minor characters, he gives uniqueness to his work, which remains in the memory of all individuals.
Repetition of Characters
The main characters that recur throughout the story are merchant Coppola and lawyer Coppeliu. Both characters present themselves on the life path of the main protagonist, and each of them causes an overwhelming feeling of fear and horror. Therefore, he meets them in his childhood and older age, and each time, he is convinced that they are the same Sandman from a mystical fairy tale (Ahmad 220). This is how the theme of duality manifests itself, which drives Nathaniel crazy, and it is this theme that becomes the next leading one in the discussed work. The main character experiences hallucinations and delusions due to his obsession with a children’s scary story.
Repetition of Symbols
Another symbolic repetition that can be traced throughout the work is the eyes. According to the story, Sandman poured sand into the eyes of children, which caused them to lose them due to bad behavior (Hoffmann 3). Nathanael was faced with the desire of other characters to deprive him of his eyes both at a young age and in adulthood (Li 1). This adds gloom to the narrative and the feeling that the past is hunting for a man. Moreover, Nathanael’s obsession with the Sandman and his fear of losing his eyes are linked to his love for his childhood friend, Clara. Another such obsession is his perception of Olimpia as a perfect woman.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the story of Sandman is an excellent example of how the repetition of various elements in the ode of the narrative can attract the reader’s interest and create a unique atmosphere. Throughout his life, the main character, Nathaniel, is confronted with the past events that seem to haunt him. However, readers may have a hunch about his madness and insanity due to the serious injuries and shocks he experienced as a young boy.
Works Cited
Hoffmann, Ernst Theodor Wilhel. The Sandman. Insel Verlag, 1991.
Ahmad, Zahra. “Cyborg in Literature: Analysing Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and ETA Hoffmann’s The Sandman.” Motifs: A Peer Reviewed International Journal of English Studies, vol. 7, 2021, pp. 216-225.
Li, Ziyi. “On the Shaping of Characters and Classic Images in ETA Hoffman’s” Sandman.” Journal of Higher Education Research, vol. 3, no. 3, 2020.